Felimare Cantabrica - Oceana

Corals and Other Invertebrates

Felimare Cantabrica

Hypselodoris cantabrica

Distribution

Restricted to the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean Sea

ecosystem/habitat

Rocky reefs

Feeding Habits

Foraging predator

Taxonomy

Class Gastropoda (snails, slugs, and relatives), Superfamily Doridoidea (dorid nudibranchs)

     

    Felimare cantabrica, like all nudibranchs, is simultaneously hermaphroditic – each individual produces both eggs and sperm. An individual cannot fertilize its own eggs, however, and pairs still must mate. They reproduce via internal fertilization and lay eggs, which they stick to the reef surface or other hard substrates. The long strings of eggs are often spiral shaped. Neither parent cares for or guards the eggs.

    Like most small marine invertebrates, little is known about the conservation status of Felimare cantabrica, but this species has a relatively small home range. Therefore, any significant changes to the rocky reef ecosystems in its range or general threats to the marine environment could risk this naturally rare species.

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