The ghost nudibranch, Lecithophorus capensis, is a species of dorid nudibranch, and is only found in South Africa. It is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Polyceridae. It is the sole species of the genus Lecithophorus.[1]

Ghost nudibranch
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Order: Nudibranchia
Superfamily: Polyceroidea
Family: Polyceridae
Genus: Lecithophorus
Species:
L. capensis
Binomial name
Lecithophorus capensis
Macnae, 1958

Distribution

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This species is endemic to the South African coast and is found on both sides of the Cape Peninsula from the intertidal to at least 30 m.[2]

Description

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The ghost nudibranch is an almost transparent animal with a deep body and an opaque white margin. Its digestive system is visible as a purple mass at the posterior end of its body. Its rhinophores and gills are white.[3]

Ecology

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The ghost nudibranch feeds on colonial sea squirts and bryozoans.

References

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  1. ^ Lecithophorus Macnae, 1958. Retrieved through: World Register of Marine Species on 10 January 2019.
  2. ^ GOSLINER, T.M. 1987. Nudibranchs of Southern Africa ISBN 0-930118-13-8
  3. ^ ZSILAVECZ, G. 2007. Nudibranchs of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay. ISBN 0-620-38054-3