livingart Posted February 22, 2015 Report Share Posted February 22, 2015 A Nudibranchs The meaning of Nudibranch, is ‘Naked Gill' as this refers to the feathery growths that are located near the rear end of the animal. These function as a breathing apparatus. There are over 80 known species of Nudibranchs from New Zealand waters. As Nudibranchs are carnivores they feed specifically on sponges & sea firs (Hydroids) as well as sea squirts. Lacking the protection of a hard shell it might be thought that their soft bodies would make easy prey for fish and starfish alike. This is not the case, as most predators avoid them due to their defence mechanism that contains unpleasant chemicals in their bodies. However, the Roboastra luteolineata preys on fellow nudibranchs. The pink and white Jason's nudibranch (Jason mirabilis) has a remarkable defensive system. They feed on polyps and by some unknown method, they incorporate the hydroids stinging cells into growths (cerata) on their backs. Any predator biting into these growths will trigger the stinging cells receiving a dose of poison. Scientists think the bright colours of Nudibranchs are adaptive strategies that warn predators of poisons or nasty-tasting chemicals. Sea Hares NZ There are eight species of Sea Hare in New Zealand. The fleshy slugs have prominent tentacles that with some stretch of the imagination could resemble the ears of a Hare. With some species a small internal shell protects their gills. They are all herbivores, feasting on succulent seaweeds that provide adequate camouflage. In the case of predators getting too close they have the ability to shoot out a poisonous purple dye. Interestingly enough, Sea Hares are hermaphrodites, meaning each animal has both male and female sex organs. Mating often occurs in mass groups as they line up to fertilize the eggs of the next animal in front. They release their eggs in a colourful tangle, with the resemblance of knitting wool or spaghetti.Click on picture to go to information sheet for keeping in aquaria Clown Nudibranch. Gem NudibranchVariable Doris Silverdollarboy2 and kiwiraka 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexyay Posted February 25, 2015 Report Share Posted February 25, 2015 :thup: I am loving these lists. It's really showing me how much colour we have locally - hope to use them myself for ID'ing one day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted April 30, 2015 Report Share Posted April 30, 2015 I'm loving these write ups Mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted April 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2015 Thanks :thup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ymir Posted September 5, 2015 Report Share Posted September 5, 2015 links not working Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted September 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2015 links not working Is it good now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ymir Posted September 10, 2015 Report Share Posted September 10, 2015 yip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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