Magnificent Chromodoris & Orange-edged Sap Sucking Slug

Description:

An interesting find of 2 Gastropods hanging out together and seems to be very comfortable with it. The bigger Gastropod is a Chromodoris magnifica can reach a maximum size of 5 cm length. The body is elongate with a foot which is distinct from the upper body by a skirt like mantle hiding partially the foot. The branched gills and the rhinophores are orange colour and can be withdraw in specific pockets under the skin in case of danger. The specific epithet magnifica in Chromodoris magnifica means magnificent, so-named because of this nudibranch's striking, vibrant colors. The smaller Gastropod is a Thuridilla lineolata which is is a species of sea slug, a sacoglossan, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Plakobranchidae. It is an Indo-Pacific species that lives in or near coral reefs and feeds on algae. This species can be up to 3 cm in size. The body is partially covered by the fold of the lateral parapodia. The mantle is bright blue, and the edges of the parapodia are framed by two lines: a fine black one and an orange one on the external side. The smooth rhinophores and the oral cavity are also marked with a black line and with an orange band.

Habitat:

This 2 Gastropods can be found in the central area of the Indo-Pacific region from Indonesia and the Philippines to New Guinea and Eastern Australia. This spotting was at a very shallow dive site of around 5 meters depth, during a night dive.

Notes:

One other interesting note on this spotting, a tiny transparent critter was captured in this picture, on the left rhinopore of Chromodoris magnifica.