What are these?
- Thread starter iamdon
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The one on the right is Nembrotha lineolata - it feeds on colonial tunicates; more particularly, it has been noted to feed on Clavelina spp., Rhopalaea sp., and Oxycorynia fascicularis.Saw these at my LFS today. What type of nudis are they and what do they eat?
The one on the left is a tougher ID, but I'd go with "Nembrotha yonowae" (which is in quotes because there's a good deal of taxonomic disputes about this species and a number of nudibranchs that may or may not be classified as this species or different species, some of which are now considered synonyms of N. yonowae). These guys also feed on tunicates, but - in part because of the taxonomy disputes - it's not as well known what species. That said, they have been seen feeding on Clavelina moluccensis and possibly a solitary tunicate (very, very tentatively ID'ed at the moment as Polycarpa aurata).
So, basically they feed on specific, generally colonial tunicates (usually clear white or light blue in color) which may be difficult to come by, and which would likely be incredibly difficult to grow out enough to use as an adequate food source.
Technically, yes, but my understanding is that the toxins used by these guys shouldn't impact mammals. The toxins have been shown to be effective against some parasites and may be somewhat anti-bacterial and anti-algal. I'm not sure if they're actually toxic to fish/inverts, extremely distasteful to them, or if they're just avoided because they look toxic/distasteful.
bradleym
Well-Known Member
@ISpeakForTheSeas I am yet again thoroughly impressed by the depth and breadth of your knowledge. 
Haha, thank you!@ISpeakForTheSeas I am yet again thoroughly impressed by the depth and breadth of your knowledge.
