#euselenops luniceps

[gastropodsyay]

Flat fella moon-headed slug

Euselenops Luniceps

[cool-critters]

Euselenops luniceps

Euselenops luniceps is a species of sea slug native to the Indo-West Pacific. It is a rarely seen sand dweller that partially buries itself in the sand during the day. It hunts for small invertebrates at night.

photo credits: seaslugsforum, seaslugsofhawaii

[libutron]

Euselenops luniceps

Euselenops luniceps, a species of sea slug in the family Pleurobranchidae (Order Pleurobranchomorpha), with a very broad foot and relatively flattened body, which makes it ideal for crawling over soft sand and for burrowing. It has a wide oral veil (that’s shaped like a moon, hence its name) with sensory papillae underneath, which it uses for locating food.

This species is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific. It is found in sandy areas where it burrows under sand but keeps its rhinophores and pallial siphon unsubmerged. 

References: [1] - [2] - [3] - [4]

Photo credit: ©Blogie

Locality: Davao Del Norte, Philippines (night dive, 12 m deep).

[astronomy-to-zoology]

Moon-headed Side-gill Slug (Euselenops luniceps)

Also known as the Nataspidean sea slug, Euselenops luniceps is a species of pleurobranchid sea slug that is distributed throughout the Indo-West Pacific. E. luniceps is modified for living in a sandy environment as it has a flattened body and a broad foot. They also have sensory papillae along their oral veil that helps them hunt for food. During the day E. luniceps can be seen buried in the sand emerging at night to forage for small invertebrates. While buried E. luniceps can retain a flow of water throughout its gills for respiration and to remain alert to the presence of potential food.

Classification

Animalia-Mollusca-Gastropoda-Heterobranchia-Euthyneura-Nudipleura-Pleurobranchomorpha-Pleuorbranchoidea-Pleurobranchidae-Pleurobranchaeinae-Euselenops-E. luniceps

Image(s): Bernard DUPONT