Goniobranchus Gleniei

Overview

Goniobranchus gleniei is a vibrant, dorid nudibranch belonging to the family Chromodorididae. This marine gastropod is native to the Indian Ocean, where it is typically found in reef environments.

Distribution & habitat

This species is restricted to the Indian Ocean, with records from locations including Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Tanzania, Madagascar, the Seychelles, and Mayotte. It is generally observed in reef areas, ranging from reef summits down to depths of approximately 30 meters.

Appearance

The body of G. gleniei is primarily white with a distinctive, wavy dark brown to blackish-purple line running along the center of the dorsum, which branches around the rhinophores and gills. The area enclosed by this line is light orange-brown and features irregular dark blotches. The mantle edge is bordered in white with an inner band of greyish-purple. Notably, the anterior underside of the mantle is a brilliant purple, which may be revealed when the nudibranch flaps its mantle edges while crawling. Its rhinophores and the inner surfaces of its gills are orange, while the outer gill surfaces are white.

Biology & behavior

When disturbed or while moving, this nudibranch may exhibit a characteristic behavior of flapping or waving its mantle edges, which highlights the bright purple coloration on the underside. Like other members of its family, it is believed to sequester toxins from its prey for defense.

Feeding

G. gleniei is a specialist predator that feeds on sponges.