Elysia ornata explained

Elysia ornata, commonly known as ornate elysia or ornate leaf slug, is a species of sea slug, a marine gastropod mollusk. This sea slug superficially resembles a nudibranch, yet it does not belong to that suborder of gastropods. Instead it is a member of the closely related clade Sacoglossa, the "sap-sucking" sea slugs.

Description

Elysia ornata can grow to about in length.[1] It is a translucent greenish-yellow colour speckled with white and black. It has broad parapodia each edged with an orange band and a black margin. The rhinophores are similarly coloured with a band of orange and dark tips.[2] Its main food source is algae and are found on submergent vegetation.

Distribution

Elysia ornata is a tropical species found in both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is found in the benthic zone at depths of 0m-18mm (00feet-59feetm).

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Sea Slug Forum - Elysia ornata. 15 July 2010.
  2. http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet/elysorna Elysia ornata