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Magnificent Chromodoris by Marc Broadbent DSC-RX100M4: 1/1000, F11, ISO100
This nudibranch is found in the central area of the Indo-Pacific region from Indonesia and the Philippines to New Guinea and Eastern Australia. It can reach a maximum length of 60 mm. The body is elongated by a foot which is distinct from the upper body by a skirt like mantle hiding partially the foot. The branched gills and the rhinophores are orange and can be withdrawn into specific pockets under the skin in case of danger.
Co's Chromodris (Goniobranchus coi) by Marc Broadbent DSC-RX100M4: 1/500, F8, ISO200
Also known as Co's Goniobranchus, Dorid Nudibranch, Elegant Chromodoris, Nudibranch. Found singly or in pairs amongst rubble and sandy areas over coral and rocky reefs. They are 6cm long and feed on the sponge Chelonaplysilla violacea. They are widespread in Indo-West Pacific in depths of 5 - 25m. Nudibranch, 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 nudibranchs 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.
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