Ringed Sap-sucking Slug (Plakobranchus ocellatus)

Also known as Ocellated Plankobrunchus, Sacoglossan, Sap Sucker, Solar-powered Sea Slug

Description

Also known as Ocellated Plankobrunchus, Sacoglossan, Sap Sucker, Solar-powered Sea Slug.

Found singly or in large groups, during the day amongst shallow patches of rubble and sand, over lagoons, pools, coral and rocky reefs rich in algae. Varies in colour and pattern.
They feed on algae.
Length - 4cm
Depth - Shallow
Widespread Indo-Pacific

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/placocel

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