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Melibe digitata Gosliner & V. G. Smith, 2003
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Click the thumbnail photos to enhance!
The most unique attribute of the genus Melibe and so of Melibe digitata is their method of
feeding. They have no radular teeth and but have developed the oral veil into a large veil or "fish net"
which they use to constantly scan the substrate as they crawl along. When the sensitive papillae on the
inner edge of the oral veil touch a small crab or crustacean the edge of the veil is rapidly contracted,
trapping the prey, which is then ingested.
Melibe digitata can be distiguished by its highly ramified cerata. The body is golden greenish
to brownish, probably a sign of the presence of zooxanthellae. This shot shows its
egg-mass.
Thanks for confirming the ID to
David W. Behrens.
The original description of Melibe digitata is at
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES pages 305ff.
How to cite:
Köhler, E. (201), published 2 December 2021, Melibe digitata Gosliner & V. G. Smith, 2003
available from
https://www.Philippine-Sea-Slugs.com/Nudibranchia/Cladobranchia/Melibe_digitata.htm
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