Common name: crown doto

General information

The Crowned Nudibranch, Doto coronata, is a small and ornate species of sea slug found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic. This species is part of the Dendronotidae family and is known for its distinctive body shape and coloration. The body of Doto coronata is typically translucent with dark spots, and it has a series of cerata (finger-like projections) along its back, which are crowned with white tips, giving rise to its common name.

Care

Caring for Doto coronata in a home aquarium requires attention to water quality and temperature. They thrive in cooler water temperatures that mimic their natural habitat. These nudibranchs are not commonly kept in home aquariums due to their specialized dietary needs; they feed exclusively on hydroids, which can be challenging to cultivate and sustain in captivity.

Reproduction

Like many nudibranchs, Doto coronata is a hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. They can self-fertilize or mate with another individual. The eggs are laid in gelatinous spirals typically attached to the substrate or hydroids they feed on.

Symbiosis

While not known for any specific symbiotic relationships, nudibranchs like Doto coronata play a role in the ecosystem by controlling hydroid populations, which can otherwise grow unchecked and compete with other sessile organisms for space.

Habitat

Doto coronata is typically found in shallow waters, often in coastal areas with an abundance of hydroids, their primary food source. They are adapted to the cooler temperatures of the North Atlantic and can be found at various depths, often associated with seaweed or other substrates where hydroids are present.