Spanish shawl
A species of Flabellinopsis Scientific name : Flabellinopsis iodinea Genus : Flabellinopsis
Spanish shawl, A species of Flabellinopsis
Botanical name: Flabellinopsis iodinea
Genus: Flabellinopsis
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Description People often ask
Description
This nudibranch displays a stunning set of colors: the body is purple, the cerata are orange and the rhinophores are scarlet. The neon orange appendages on the back of Flabellinopsis iodinea are the cerata which extract oxygen from the sea water they are surrounded by and live in. The cerata are also extensions of the digestive system, and are used to store the stinging cells of the anemones and fan-like hydroids they eat. The red rhinophores are sensory structures used for detecting the presence of possible mates and prey. The purple, red, and orange colors are derived from a single carotenoid pigment, astaxanthin. The pigment appears in three modified states, leading to the three distinct colors. Scientists think the reason why the Spanish Shawl's gills are orange is so they can camouflage with their prey while they are eating. The orange gills on their backs are also a warning to potential predators. The color tells their predators that they are either poisonous or distasteful.
* Disclaimer: The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.
People often ask
Where do spanish shawl live?
What does spanish shawl eat?
Photo By rebeccafay , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Molluscs Class
Snails and slugs Order
Nudibranchs Family
Flabellinopsidae Genus
Flabellinopsis Species
Spanish shawl