Common name: Pallid glossodoris

General information

Glossodoris pallida, commonly known as the Pale Glossodoris, is a species of colorful sea slug, a dorid nudibranch, which is a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Chromodorididae. This species is appreciated by marine enthusiasts for its elegant appearance and the role it plays in the ecosystem as a grazer of sponges.

Care

The Pale Glossodoris requires a well-established reef aquarium with plenty of live rock and a stable environment to thrive. It is essential to provide a variety of sponge species, as these are the primary food source for G. pallida. Care should be taken to ensure that water quality is high, with stable parameters, and that the aquarium is free of predators that may harm these delicate nudibranchs.

Reproduction

Like many nudibranchs, G. pallida is a hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. They can lay ribbons of eggs which develop into free-swimming larvae. These larvae will eventually settle and metamorphose into the adult form. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging due to their specific dietary requirements.

Habitat

Glossodoris pallida is found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in coral reef environments. They are benthic creatures, often seen crawling on the substrate or on the surfaces of sponges, which they feed on. Their presence indicates a healthy reef with a good sponge population.