Definition
Chromodoris tenuis is a species of sea slug, specifically a dorid nudibranch, belonging to the family Chromodorididae. It is a marine gastropod mollusk.
Overview
The species was first described by C. N. Eliot in 1908. Like other members of the genus Chromodoris, it is a colorful, shell‑less opisthobranch that inhabits coral reef environments. Reports of its occurrence are limited, but it is presumed to be distributed in the Indo‑Pacific region, where many Chromodoris species are found. As a nudibranch, it is a benthic predator, typically feeding on sponges, although specific dietary preferences for C. tenuis have not been documented in the primary literature.
Etymology / Origin
- Chromodoris: Derived from the Greek words chroma (χρῶμα) meaning “color” and Doris (Δωρίς), a sea nymph in Greek mythology, reflecting the often vivid coloration of these nudibranchs.
- tenuis: A Latin adjective meaning “thin” or “slender,” likely referring to the animal’s relatively narrow body shape compared with related species.
Characteristics
Detailed morphological descriptions of Chromodoris tenuis are scarce in the scientific literature. General characteristics inferred from the genus include:
- Body form: An elongated, dorsoventrally flattened mantle typical of dorid nudibranchs.
- Size: Small to medium, generally ranging from a few millimetres up to approximately 30 mm in total length for many Chromodoris species.
- Coloration: While the precise pattern for C. tenuis is not well‑recorded, the species name suggests a slender appearance that may be accompanied by thin, possibly contrasting color bands or lines on the mantle.
- Rhinophores and gill plume: Possesses a pair of sensory rhinophores on the head and a circlet of branchial plumes at the posterior margin of the mantle, both typical of chromodorid nudibranchs.
Because of limited published data, aspects such as exact coloration, habitat depth range, and reproductive behavior remain insufficiently documented. Accurate information is not confirmed for several of these traits.
Related Topics
- Chromodorididae – the family encompassing colorful dorid nudibranchs.
- Nudibranchia – the order of soft‑bodied, shell‑less marine gastropods.
- Marine biodiversity of the Indo‑Pacific – a region noted for high nudibranch diversity.
- Eliot, C. N. (1908) – the malacologist who originally described the species.
Note: While the taxonomic name Chromodoris tenuis appears in historical malacological literature, comprehensive modern data on its biology and distribution are limited.