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What is a common name for a nudibranch and what class does it belong to?
nudibranch, also called sea slug, any of the marine gastropods that constitute the order Nudibranchia (subclass Opisthobranchia of the class Gastropoda). Nudibranchs possess a radular feeding organ, but they characteristically lack a shell, gills, and mantle cavity typical of other mollusks.
Is a sea slug a nudibranch?
Nudibranchs are often casually called sea slugs, as they are a family of opistobranchs (sea slugs), within the phylum Mollusca (molluscs), but many sea slugs belong to several taxonomic groups which are not closely related to nudibranchs.
What does the term nudibranch mean?
: any of an order (Nudibranchia) of marine opisthobranch mollusks without a shell in the adult state and without true gills.
Is the Spanish Dancer venomous?
Though they are in the same family as snails, they have little or no shell. They are poisonous and very few animals will eat them. The Spanish Dancer is one of the largest sea slugs reaching 15 inches long (40 cm).
What is a purple nudibranch?
Nudibranchs, shell-less snails or sea slugs, are named for these tufted gills, as “nudibranch” comes from Latin and Greek words meaning “naked gills.” They’re known for their bright coloration, and this species, found in Western Pacific Ocean coral reefs, ranges from dark purple to bright white.
Where are the nudibranchs found in the world?
They are found throughout the world’s oceans, but are most abundant in shallow, tropical waters. Their scientific name, Nudibranchia, means naked gills, and describes the feathery gills and horns that most wear on their backs.
Where can I find nudibranchs in Washington water?
Small to medium sized tubercles cover entire body. Thick branchial plume on rear. Comments: This is one of the largest nudibranch species in Washington water. My best luck finding this large sea slug is throughout Hood Canal and the San Juan Island. ID: Yellow or pale yellow dorid shaped body.
Where to find nudibranchs on a kelp tree?
Comments: Although fairly common, this striking nudibranch is always a favorite find. I regularly spot large specimens at Three Tree Point in spring on broadleaf kelp from shallow depths to over 90 feet deep. Don’t confuse this nudibranch with the much less common frosty-tipped nudibranch.
Nudibranchs are often casually called sea slugs, as they are a family of opistobranchs (sea slugs), within the phylum Mollusca (molluscs), but many sea slugs belong to several taxonomic groups which are not closely related to nudibranchs.