Ghost nudibranch

The ghost nudibranch, Lecithophorus capensis, is a species of dorid nudibranch, and is only found in South Africa. It is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Polyceridae. It is the sole species of the genus Lecithophorus.[1]

Ghost nudibranch
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Heterobranchia
Order: Nudibranchia
Suborder: Doridina
Superfamily: Polyceroidea
Family: Polyceridae
Genus: Lecithophorus
Species:
L. capensis
Binomial name
Lecithophorus capensis
Macnae, 1958

Distribution

This species is endemic to the South African coast and is found on both sides of the Cape Peninsula from the intertidal to at least 30 m.[2]

Description

The ghost nudibranch is an almost transparent animal with a deep body and an opaque white margin. Its digestive system is visible as a purple mass in the posterior end of its body. Its rhinophores and gills are white.[3]

Ecology

The ghost nudibranch feeds on colonial sea squirts and bryozoans.

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References
  1. Lecithophorus Macnae, 1958. Retrieved through: World Register of Marine Species on 10 January 2019.
  2. GOSLINER, T.M. 1987. Nudibranchs of Southern Africa ISBN 0-930118-13-8
  3. ZSILAVECZ, G. 2007. Nudibranchs of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay. ISBN 0-620-38054-3
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