Aeolidida sp. (unidentified)
A tiny black nudibranch spotted in the Seagrass Meadow in December 2024, bearing fingerlike cerata along its back, the body plan of Aeolid-type nudibranchs that hunt hydroids and soft-bodied invertebrates rather than graze algae; species identity remains unresolved.
A tiny black nudibranch approximately 2mm in length was first observed in miniBIOTA's Seagrass Meadow in December 2024. A follow-up observation ten days later confirmed cerata, the fingerlike dorsal projections characteristic of Aeolid-type nudibranchs, visible on its back. Aeolid nudibranchs are carnivores, not grazers; their cerata are associated with prey on hydroids, anemones, and soft invertebrates rather than algae or biofilm. Species identity remains unresolved.
Aeolid nudibranch natural history varies substantially by species, but the suborder shares key traits: all have cerata on the dorsal surface, all are carnivorous predators, and many can sequester nematocysts from cnidarian prey into the tips of their cerata for defensive use. Prey typically includes hydroids, anemones, bryozoans, and other soft-bodied invertebrates. Without species-level identification, specific range, preferred prey, lifespan, and reproductive details cannot be determined for this individual. Species-level natural history is documented in the confirmed species dossiers once identification is achieved.
Aeolid nudibranchs are micro-predators in the marine invertebrate community. If this individual belongs to a hydroid-feeding lineage, its ecological role in miniBIOTA would involve predation on any hydroids present in the Seagrass Meadow; if it feeds on bryozoans or small encrusting organisms, it would consume fouling growth from hard surfaces. This is distinct from the herbivore/grazer role the record entry had previously described. Given its very small observed size (2mm), individual predation impact is likely minimal, but its ecology is genuinely unknown pending identification.
No introduction event is on record. The nudibranch likely arrived as a hitchhiker in live rock, seagrass material, or on hermit crab shells during an early saltwater introduction. The slug "unknown-sea-bunny" suggests it was informally named during an early observation before its morphology was described in detail.
One individual confirmed in Seagrass Meadow December 13-23, 2024. No subsequent observation on record. Current presence and survival are unconfirmed.
Aeolid-type nudibranch; carnivorous predator, not a herbivore or algae grazer. Aeolid nudibranchs prey on hydroids, anemones, and small soft invertebrates. Prior DB entry listed this species as a "Presumed herbivore of algae", this is incorrect for Aeolidida and has been corrected. No feeding observation in miniBIOTA.
Marine saltwater species requiring full or near-full marine salinity, consistent with Seagrass Meadow conditions. Specific tolerance ranges for miniBIOTA conditions unknown pending species identification.
No reproductive observations in miniBIOTA. Aeolid nudibranchs are hermaphroditic and cross-fertilize; egg masses are typically deposited on substrate. Species-level reproductive biology unknown pending identification.
Carnivorous predator; ecological role is distinct from herbivorous grazers in the Seagrass Meadow. Individual impact at 2mm body size is likely minimal. Prey species in miniBIOTA unconfirmed.
Follow this species across the habitats where it currently appears in the miniBIOTA biosphere.
