Marine Life / Nudibranchs

Ceratosoma gracillimum

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Mollusca

Class

Gastropoda

Order

Nudibranchia

Family

Chromodorididae

Genus

Ceratosoma

Species

Ceratosoma gracillimum

Ceratosoma gracillimum is a slender chromodorid nudibranch, orange with scattered red spots. Its elongated outline is worth noting alongside its colours. As with other dorids, the rhinophores sit toward the front and a plume of gills rises farther back.

Chromodorids are sponge feeders, although different species select different sponges. Finding a slug beside a sponge does not establish which species of sponge it eats, so avoid drawing feeding conclusions from proximity alone.

In the Philippines, careful observation of reef surfaces offers a better approach than disturbing potential hiding places. This book entry provides a useful reference for comparing your underwater photographs.

For a clear identification image, include the whole body, the rhinophores and the rear gills. Keep your fins clear of the bottom and wait for an unobstructed view instead of moving the animal.

It appears on page 157 of Nudibranchs of the Philippines.

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