Rostanga elandsia
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Rostanga elandsia

Rostanga elandsia, is a species of dorid nudibranch. It is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Discodorididae.

Appearance

The red sponge nudibranch is a yellow-orange to red dorid with scattered small black spots on its notum. It is extremely well camouflaged on its prey sponges. Its gills are arranged around the anus and its rhinophores are perfoliate. It may reach a total length of 30 mm.

Distribution

Geography

This species has so far only been found around the southern African coast from the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula to the eastern side of False Bay. It has been found from the mid-intertidal zone to at least 30 m. It is endemic to South Africa.

Habits and Lifestyle

This species feeds on red and yellow-orange sponges which determine the animal's colour. The egg mass is a transparent spiral collar with large orange eggs visible within.

Diet and Nutrition

References

1. Rostanga elandsia Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rostanga_elandsia

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