Summary

Despite its morphological similarity, Placida dendritica is not a nudibranch, but rather a species of sea slug belonging to the clade Sacoglossa. Sacoglossans are a group of opisthobranch gastropod molluscs, comprised of various sea slugs and sea snails. P. dendritica is very small (typically <1cm in length) and can be identified by its dorsal extensions known as cerata, and its colouration and patterning. This species has translucent skin with two defined digestive channels, which run the length of the body and connect to an extensive network of tributaries extending into the head, rhinophones and cerata. These channels range from a light to dark shade of green. P. dendritica is a specialist herbivore, feeding only on specific types of green algae.


                  


This species is found on algal hosts in shallow coral reef and rocky subtidal zones. The external and internal morphology, ecology, life history, behaviour, and biogeographic distribution of this species are detailed in this webpage. Habitat preference of P. dentritica is examined in a short behavioural experiment, which was non-conclusive, but suggested that the P. dentritica from the reef crest at Heron Island prefer grassy algae host species over flat or rounded, unembellished species (See Life History and Behaviour tab: Experiment).

Note: Bolded terms are defined in the Glossary.