Common name: angled doris

General information

Goniodoris nodosa, commonly known as the Knotted Sea Slug, is a species of nudibranch, a group of soft-bodied, marine gastropod mollusks. This species is notable for its striking appearance, with a yellowish or greenish body adorned with white spots and raised tubercles. It can reach a size of up to 50 millimeters in length and is often found in shallow waters.

Care

The Knotted Sea Slug is a specialized feeder, consuming mainly bryozoans, which are small, colonial animals often mistaken for corals. In captivity, it's essential to provide a steady supply of live bryozoans, which can be a challenge for the hobbyist. A well-established reef tank with plenty of live rock may naturally support a small population of bryozoans for the sea slug to graze on. Stable water quality and parameters are crucial for the health of this nudibranch.

Reproduction

Goniodoris nodosa is a hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. They can lay ribbons of eggs, which are often deposited on the substrate or on the bryozoans they feed on. The larvae are planktonic before settling down and metamorphosing into their adult form.

Habitat

This species is typically found in the Northeast Atlantic, from Norway to the Mediterranean, and along the British Isles. They inhabit shallow subtidal zones, often under stones or among algae where bryozoans are present. The Knotted Sea Slug prefers cooler water temperatures and is usually found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to about 50 meters.