Alyta Nudibranch

Scientific Name: Phyllidia alyta
Species: Sea Slugs (Phyllidiidae)
Other names: Nudibranchs, Warty Sea Slugs, Alyta Sea Slug.

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Description

Also known as Nudibranchs, Warty Sea Slugs and Alyta Sea Slug.

Found singly or in pairs on coral and rocky reefs amongst sand and rubble areas.
They feed on hydroids, coral, sponges and anemones.
Length - 6cm
Depth - 10-25m
Widespread Western Indian Ocean

Opisthobranchia - Nudibranchs - Sea Slugs meaning "naked gills" are molluscs without a hard shell.
All opisthobranchs are hermaphrodites.
These beautiful slugs are usually brilliantly coloured and this in itself can act as a deterrent against predators. Some sea slugs secrete acid from stinging cells in their tentacles while others secrete acid from cells in their mantle.
Nudibranchs are slow moving, can swim or be propelled along either by muscular contraction or by millions of tiny hairs on the bottom of a fleshy 'foot', they have a voracious appetite and feed with a rasp like tongue.
Nudibranch lay their eggs in a ribbon effect on the sand, in different colours depending on species.

Spotted

The Alyta Nudibranch has been photographed 7 times by user @fishx6