The fiery nudibranch, Okenia amoenula, is a species of colourful sea slug, specifically a dorid nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Goniodorididae.[1]
This species is endemic to the South African coast and is found from the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula to Port Elizabeth intertidally to at least 30 m.[2][3] It has also been reported from Angola.[4]
The fiery nudibranch is a small (up to 20 mm) smooth-bodied nudibranch which is often overlooked until its egg ribbons are seen. It is then often noticed in groups. It has a pale body streaked with orange and a margin characterised by yellow-orange tipped fingerlike projections which resemble flames. The rhinophores are white and the gills are orange-striped.[5]
The fiery nudibranch is often found on bryozoans. Its egg mass is a sprawling white curl of several turns.
Two fiery nudibranchs with their egg ribbons
The fiery nudibranch, Okenia amoenula, is a species of colourful sea slug, specifically a dorid nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Goniodorididae.
Okenia amoenula (Bergh, 1907) è un mollusco nudibranchio della famiglia Goniodorididae.[1]
L'epiteto specifico deriva dal latino amoenulus, cioè piacevole, ridente.
Okenia amoenula (Bergh, 1907) è un mollusco nudibranchio della famiglia Goniodorididae.
L'epiteto specifico deriva dal latino amoenulus, cioè piacevole, ridente.
Okenia amoenula is een slakkensoort uit de familie van de Goniodorididae.[1] De wetenschappelijke naam van de soort is voor het eerst geldig gepubliceerd in 1907 door Bergh.
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