Janolus

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Janolus
Janolus.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Heterobranchia
Order: Nudibranchia
Suborder: Cladobranchia
Family: Janolidae
Genus: Janolus
Bergh, 1884 [1]
Type species
Janolus australis Bergh, 1884
Species

See text

Synonyms [2]
  • JanusVérany, 1844 (invalid: junior homonym of Janus Stephens, 1829 [Hymenoptera])

Janolus is a genus of small to large sea slugs, or more accurately nudibranchs, marine gastropod mollusks, in the family Janolidae. [2] The name Janolus is derived from the two-headed god Janus, in ancient Roman mythology.

Contents

Description

Adult individuals of Janolus species can be between 2.5 cm to 8 cm long, depending on the species. They are semi-translucent and the body is covered in short cerata.

Distribution

Janolus species are found in many areas world-wide, including Europe, Australia, Japan and Africa.

Ecology

Habitat

This genus of nudibranch is found in shallow and subtidal waters.

Feeding habits

Janolus species feed on Bryozoa, moss animals.

Predators

In California, Navanax is a known predator of Janolus. Navanax tracks the slime of Janolus by using chemoreceptors. When Janolus is about to be caught, it rolls into a ball, leaving its cerata exposed.

Species

Species in the genus Janolus include: [2]

Species brought into synonymy

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Janolus flavoanulatus is a sea slug species. The specific name is derived from Latin words flavus (“yellow”) and anulatus (“ringed”). These soft-bodied mollusks are known for their extraordinary colors and prominent forms. The first description of this species was reported by researcher Terry Gosliner, a leading researcher in the evolutionary history of nudibranchs. Upon his conducted research in the Philippines, Gosliner named Janolus flavoanulatus for its yellow ring around its cerata.

References

  1. Bergh, L.S.R., 1884. Report on the Nudibranchiata dredged by H.M.S. Challenger during the years 1873-1876. Report of the Scientific Results of the Voyage of H.M.S. Challenger during the years 1873-76, under the command of Captain George S. Nares, R.N., F.R.S. and Captain Frank Tourle Thomson, R.N. prepared under the superintendence of the late Sir C. Wyville Thomson, Knt., F.R.S., &c. Regius Professor of Natural History in the University of Edinburgh Director of the Civilian Scientific Staff on board, and now of John Murray one of the naturalists of the expedition, Zoology 10(26):1-154, pls. 1-14.
  2. 1 2 3 MolluscaBase (2019). MolluscaBase. Janolus Bergh, 1884. Accessed on 2020-10-20.