Three-spot nudibranch explained

The three-spot nudibranch, scientific name Aldisa trimaculata, is a species of sea slug, a dorid nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Cadlinidae.

Distribution

This demersal species has so far only been found around the southern African coast, on both sides of the Cape Peninsula, in 10–30 m of water. It may possibly be endemic to that area.^[1]

Description

The three-spot nudibranch is a tan-coloured dorid with a warty skin and three brown spots, which are themselves spotted with lighter patches. The animal has eight gills arranged around the anus and its rhinophores are perfoliate. It may reach a total length of 40 mm.^{[2] [3]}

Notes and References

1. Gosliner, T.M. 1987. Nudibranchs of Southern Africa
2. Zsilavecz, G. 2007. Nudibranchs of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay.
3. Rudman, W.B., 2001 (August 1) Aldisa trimaculata Gosliner in Millen & Gosliner, 1985. [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney.

   Ecology

   This species feeds on sponges.

   References