Felimare lajensis explained

Felimare lajensis is a species of sea slug or dorid nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Chromodorididae.

Distribution

This nudibranch is found in Brazil.^[1]

Description

Felimare lajensis is dark blue in colour with a series of yellow longitudinal lines. The edge of the mantle is white and there is a series of darker blue spots on a blue background between the border and the first of the yellow lines. The rhinophores are entirely blue and the gills are also blue with very dark blue rachises. The maximum recorded body length is 30 mm.^[2]

Habitat

Minimum recorded depth is 7.3 m.^[2] Maximum recorded depth is 25 m.^[2]

Feeding habits

This species feeds on a blue species of sponge, Dysidea etheria.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Magenta-da-Cunha, C., 2000 (June 11) Hypselodoris picta lajensis Troncoso, Garcia & Urgorri, 1998. [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney.
2. Welch J. J. (2010). "The “Island Rule” and Deep-Sea Gastropods: Re-Examining the Evidence". PLoS ONE 5(1): e8776. .
3. Belmonte T., Alvim J., Padula V. & Muricy G. (2015). "Spongivory by nudibranchs on the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil". Spixiana 38(2): 187–195. PDF.