Goniodoris mercurialis is a species of sea slug, a dorid nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Goniodorididae.
| Goniodoris mercurialis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Heterobranchia |
| Order: | Nudibranchia |
| Suborder: | Doridina |
| Superfamily: | Onchidoridoidea |
| Family: | Goniodorididae |
| Genus: | Goniodoris |
| Species: | G. mercurialis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Goniodoris mercurialis Macnae, 1958[1]
| |
Distribution
editThis species was first described from False Bay, South Africa. It is found on both sides of the Cape Peninsula.[2]
Description
editThis goniodorid nudibranch is translucent tan in colour, with large areas of white surface pigment on the oral tentacles and the back and sides of the body.
Ecology
editGoniodoris mercurialis feeds on colonial ascidians.
References
edit- ^ Macnae, W., 1958. The families Polyceridae and Goniodorididae (Mollusca, Nudibranchiata) in southern Africa. Transactions Royal Society South Africa 35(4), 341-372. (Pls.17-18)
- ^ Gosliner, T. 1987. Nudibranchs of southern Africa: A guide to Opisthobranch molluscs of southern Africa Sea. Challengers, Monterey.