Hilton'S Aeolid
ExploreInvertebrate
Hilton'S Aeolid
phidiana hiltoni
Hilton's Aeolid (Phidiana hiltoni) is a remarkably striking and unusually pugnacious sea slug found along the rocky Pacific coast of North America. Unlike many docile marine invertebrates, this aeolid nudibranch is known for its aggressive nature, frequently attacking other nudibranchs and even members of its own species. It possesses a fascinating defense mechanism: it feeds on stinging hydroids and sequesters their functional stinging cells (nematocysts) in the tips of its colorful, finger-like projections (cerata), using them to ward off predators.
Habitat: Typically found in low-intertidal rocky reefs, tide pools, and shallow subtidal zones along wave-swept shores.
Appearance
This medium-sized nudibranch reaches lengths of up to 5 cm, featuring an elongated translucent white to pale pink body. It is distinguished by numerous densely packed, pointed cerata on its back, which are colored bright orange, reddish-brown, or brown, and tipped with a brilliant white band. Its head is equipped with long, elegant oral tentacles and a pair of rhinophores that are pale yellow or orange at their bases, making it highly visible in tide pools.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassGastropodaOrderNudibranchiaFamilyFacelinidaeGenusPhidiana
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Hilton's Aeolid is nicknamed the 'pugnacious nudibranch' because of its readiness to physically fight and bite other sea slugs.
If it loses its cerata during a fight or predator attack, it can regenerate them completely within a few weeks.
The white tips on its cerata act like warning beacons to visual predators, advertising the stolen stinging cells packed inside.
Special abilities
Ability
Stolen Nematocysts
Sequesters functional stinging cells from its hydroid prey and moves them to the tips of its cerata for defense.
Ability
Aggressive Biting
Displays highly aggressive behavior, actively biting and attacking other nudibranchs that enter its territory.
Ability
Ceratal Autotomy
Can readily cast off its cerata when physically harassed by a predator, distracting the attacker while escaping.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 2+ cm
- Weight
- 0.001+ kg
- Lifespan
- 1+ years
- Clutch Size
- 10005000+
- Incubation
- 5+ days
Diet & Feeding
An aggressive carnivore that primarily feeds on hydroids, but routinely attacks and consumes bryozoans and other species of nudibranchs.
Primary Foods
- Hydroids
- Other nudibranchs
- Bryozoans
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
Coarse Sea Fir
Abietinaria amphora
Phidiana hiltoni feeds extensively on this hydroid species, acquiring its stinging cells.
hunts
Thick-horned Nudibranch
Hermissenda crassicornis
Phidiana hiltoni actively attacks and preys upon this competing nudibranch species.
eaten by
California Navanax
Navanax inermis
This large predatory sea slug is known to hunt and eat Hilton's Aeolid.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Hilton'S Aeolid?
The easiest way to identify Hilton'S Aeolid is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Hilton'S Aeolid?
2+ cm
How much does Hilton'S Aeolid weigh?
0.001+ kg
How long does Hilton'S Aeolid live?
1+ years
What does Hilton'S Aeolid eat?
An aggressive carnivore that primarily feeds on hydroids, but routinely attacks and consumes bryozoans and other species of nudibranchs.
Where is Hilton'S Aeolid usually found?
Typically found in low-intertidal rocky reefs, tide pools, and shallow subtidal zones along wave-swept shores.
How does Hilton'S Aeolid hunt?
Pursuit
How many eggs does Hilton'S Aeolid lay?
10005000+
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
