Frilled Nudibranch

This is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Charcotiidae. (Leminda millecra)

Appearance

This interesting-looking animal has a smooth body that may have pink or brown pigmentation. The margin of the mantle is convoluted with a pale blue edge.

The colour of the animal is largely dependent on the colour of the food in the digestive gland ducts, as the branches of the digestive gland fill the frilled edge of the mantle. The frilly light blue margin is distinctive of this animal. Size range 40-80mm.

Feeding

This species feeds on soft coral.

*The head of the Frilled nudibranch with its rhinophores clearly visible.*

The egg mass of Leminda millecra consists of fat white convoluted curls with large eggs distinctly visible.

Habitat & Distribution

This species is endemic to the South African coast and is found from the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula to Port Elizabeth. It may be found in water as shallow as 10 meters but, it prefers deeper reefs further offshore. Size range 40-80mm.

It is known only in South Africa.