Tom Smith'S Nudibranch

ardeadoris tomsmithi

Tom Smith's Nudibranch (Ardeadoris tomsmithi) is a captivating marine gastropod mollusk known for its striking coloration and delicate form. Found navigating the vibrant coral reefs of the tropical Indo-Pacific, this sea slug belongs to the family Chromodorididae, a group celebrated for its brilliantly colored species. Unlike many land-dwelling snails, nudibranchs discard their shells early in their larval stage, relying instead on chemical warfare and warning coloration to ward off potential predators in their highly competitive reef environments. Diving enthusiasts and marine biologists cherish encounters with this small creature, which spends its days slowly crawling across rock faces and sponges. It serves as an indicator of a healthy, biodiverse reef ecosystem, highlighting the intricate connections between micro-habitats and specialized marine life.

Habitat: Typically found in tropical marine environments, specifically on shallow coral reefs, rocky crevices, and under ledges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Appearance

This small nudibranch typically reaches lengths between 1 and 5 centimeters, featuring a soft, elongated body with a pale cream to translucent white mantle. The most prominent identifier is the bright golden-yellow or deep orange border that runs continuously along the highly ruffled edge of its mantle. Its sensory rhinophores, located on the head, and the flower-like branchial plume (gills) at its rear are translucent grey to dark brown, often dusted with white tips, providing a sharp contrast to its light-colored body.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassGastropodaOrderNudibranchiaFamilyChromodorididaeGenusArdeadoris

Tom Smith'S Nudibranch

Interesting facts

Like many nudibranchs, Tom Smith's Nudibranch is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs at the same time.

The bright yellow borders on its mantle serve as a warning coloration (aposematism) to predators, advertising its toxic nature.

They use a specialized ribbon of teeth called a radula, which acts like a conveyor belt of tiny chainsaws to scrape away tough sponge tissue.

When mating, two individuals will align side-by-side to exchange sperm, allowing both to fertilize egg ribbons simultaneously.

Special abilities

It accumulates toxic compounds from the sponges it consumes and concentrates them in specialized glands on its mantle to deter predators.

Its highly sensitive, horn-like rhinophores detect chemical signals in the water, helping it locate food and mates over distance.

In extreme danger, it can shed parts of its mantle edge to distract predators while it makes a slow escape.

Measurements & details

Length: 1-5 cm
Weight: 0.002-0.01 kg
Lifespan: 1 years
Clutch Size: 500-5000
Incubation: 5-14 days

Diet & Feeding

This nudibranch is a highly specialized carnivore that feeds almost exclusively on specific marine sponges, scraping off tissues using its specialized radula.

Age differences: Veliger larvae feed on plankton, whereas adults strictly consume marine sponges.

Primary Foods

Dysidea sponges
Cacospongia sponges
Thorectandra sponges

Foraging Method

Grazing

Ecological connections

hunts

Spiny Basket Sponge

Thorectandra spinosa

The nudibranch grazes upon this sponge, extracting nutrients and defensive chemicals.

eaten by

Ceylon Gymnodoris

Gymnodoris ceylonica

This larger predatory sea slug actively hunts and consumes smaller nudibranch species.

mutualism

Emperor Shrimp

Periclimenes imperator

This colorful shrimp often lives commensally on the nudibranch's body, cleaning off debris.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Tom Smith'S Nudibranch?

The easiest way to identify Tom Smith'S Nudibranch is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Tom Smith'S Nudibranch?

1-5 cm

How much does Tom Smith'S Nudibranch weigh?

0.002-0.01 kg

How long does Tom Smith'S Nudibranch live?

1 years

What does Tom Smith'S Nudibranch eat?

This nudibranch is a highly specialized carnivore that feeds almost exclusively on specific marine sponges, scraping off tissues using its specialized radula.

Where is Tom Smith'S Nudibranch usually found?

Typically found in tropical marine environments, specifically on shallow coral reefs, rocky crevices, and under ledges in the Indo-Pacific region.

How does Tom Smith'S Nudibranch hunt?

Grazing

How many eggs does Tom Smith'S Nudibranch lay?

500-5000