Notobryon wardi

Notobryon wardi
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Gastropoda
Order:	Nudibranchia
Suborder:	Cladobranchia
Family:	Scyllaeidae
Genus:	Notobryon
Species:	N. wardi
Binomial name
Notobryon wardi Odhner, 1936

Notobryon wardi, the iridescent nudibranch, is a species of scyllid nudibranch, and is found in South Africa. It is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Scyllaeidae. ^{[1] [2]}

Distribution

This species is found around the South African coast from Elands Bay to Jeffreys Bay. It is usually found inter-tidally but has been found to 20 m. ^[3]

Description

Notobryon wardi is a medium-sized (up to 50 mm) smooth-bodied nudibranch. The body is reddish-brown with iridescent blue-green spots on its sides and back. The smooth rhinophores are surrounded by cup-like sheaths. Two sets of wispy gills are flanked by flattened lobes extending from the body. ^[4]

Ecology

Notobryon wardi feeds on hydroids. It can swim when disturbed using lateral movements of its body.

References

1. Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa ISBN   978-1-77007-772-0
2. Notobryon wardi Odhner, 1936 . 30 October 2024. Retrieved through: World Register of Marine Species .
3. Gosliner, T.M. 1987. Nudibranchs of Southern Africa ISBN   0-930118-13-8
4. Zsilavecz, G. 2007. Nudibranchs of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay. ISBN   0-620-38054-3

External links

• http://www.seaslugforum.net/notoward.htm