Ghost nudibranch

Ghost nudibranch
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
(unranked): clade Heterobranchia
clade Euthyneura
clade Nudipleura
clade Nudibranchia
clade Euctenidiacea
clade Doridacea
Superfamily: Polyceroidea
Family: Gymnodorididae
Genus: Lecithophorus
Macnae, 1958
Species: L. capensis
Binomial name
Lecithophorus capensis
Macnae, 1958

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 Gymnodorididae. It is the sole species of the genus Lecithophorus.[1]

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.

References

  1. ↑ Rosenberg, G. (2014). Lecithophorus Macnae, 1958. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=599487 on 2014-04-25
  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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