Common name: Sea Slug

Scientific name: Jorunna funebris (Kelaart, 1859)

General information

The Dotted Sea Slug, scientifically known as Jorunna funebris, is a species of nudibranch, a group of soft-bodied, marine gastropod mollusks. This species is easily recognizable by its velvety black body adorned with numerous small white dots, which gives it a striking appearance. Nudibranchs like Jorunna funebris are known for their bright and varied colors and are often considered the 'butterflies of the sea' due to their beauty.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
7 cm (3″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
Diet
Carnivore Feeds on sponges in the wild.
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Mollusks
    Mollusca
  3. Class
    Snails
    Gastropoda
  4. Order
    Nudibranchs
    Nudibranchia
  5. Family
    Discodorid Nudibranchs
    Discodorididae
  6. Genus
    Jorunna Nudibranch
    Jorunna
  7. Species
    Sea Slug
    Jorunna funebris (Kelaart, 1859)
  8. Synonyms
    Discodoris wetleyi Allan, 1932
    Doris funebris Kelaart, 1859
    Jorunna zania Ev. Marcus, 1976
    Kentrodoris annuligera Bergh, 1876
    Kentrodoris funebris (Kelaart, 1859)
    Kentrodoris gigas Bergh, 1876
    Kentrodoris maculosa Eliot, 1906

Care

Jorunna funebris requires a well-established reef aquarium with stable water conditions and plenty of live rock for grazing. They are sensitive to water quality and require a diet rich in sponges and other benthic invertebrates. It's important to note that they may not be suitable for a reef tank with a diverse coral population, as they can sometimes harm certain coral species.

Reproduction

Like many nudibranchs, Jorunna funebris is a hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. They lay spiral ribbons of eggs, which hatch into free-swimming larvae before settling down and transforming into the adult form.

Symbiosis

While Jorunna funebris does not have any specific symbiotic relationships like those seen in clownfish and anemones, its presence in the reef tank can help control algae and detritus levels, contributing to the overall health of the aquarium ecosystem.

Habitat

Jorunna funebris is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They are typically found on coral reefs and rocky substrates, often at depths where light is sufficient for their prey sponges to thrive.