Description

Also known as Azorica Nudibranch, Dorid Nudibranch, Elegant Sea Slug, Giant Doris, Hypselodoris Picta Azorica, Nudibranch.

Found singly, or in pairs, amongst rubble and sandy areas, over coral and rocky reefs. This is the largest Chromodorid in the mediterranean, and varies hugely, in color and pattern.
They feed on sponges.
Length - 8cm
Depth - 0-55m
Widespread Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, Mediterranean

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. Ref: http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/hypspict