Clione antarctica is a species of "sea angel", a sea slug, a pelagic marine gastropod mollusk in the family Clionidae, the "sea angels".
The distribution of Clione antarctica is within the Southern Hemisphere, in the polar waters of Antarctica.[1][2]
The body length of this species is 1–3 cm (0.4–1.2 in).[3]
Clione antarctica is an important component of polar ecosystems. It preys upon Limacina antarctica[1] It is itself eaten by the medusa Diplulmaris antarctica.[4] C. antarctica has a large lipid storage capacity: up to 5% of its wet mass.[5] It is able to survive without food for about six months by utilizing these lipid storage reserves.[5] Clione antarctica lays eggs in the spring.[5]
This species defends itself from predators by synthesizing an ichthyodeterrent (a chemical that deters fishes); this is a previously unknown molecule called pteroenone.[6] The sea angel acts as a "guest" for the hyperiid amphipod Hyperiella dilatata, which takes advantage of the protection provided by the gastropod's icthyodeterrent.[6]
Clione antarctica is a species of "sea angel", a sea slug, a pelagic marine gastropod mollusk in the family Clionidae, the "sea angels".
