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Opisthobranchs
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The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000
Opisthobranchia:
SYLLABICATION: o·pis·tho·branch
NOUN: Inflected forms: pl. o·pis·tho·branchs
Any of various marine gastropod mollusks of the subclass Opisthobranchia, characterized by gills, a shell that is reduced or absent, and two pairs of tentacles.
ETYMOLOGY: From New Latin Opisthobranchia , order name : Greek opistho- , behind; see opisthognathous + Greek brankhia , gills.
Invertebrate Zoology: A subclass of mostly marine gastropod mollusks having two pairs of tentacles and a reduced or absent shell and mantle cavity; includes the sea slugs, sea butterflies, sea hares, and bubble shells.
The members of this order have no shell or mantle cavity and their body shape is elongated and symmetrical. The gills are exposed, thus the name "nudi" (naked), "branchia" (gills). Usually encircle the anus on the upper side. Individuals of this group are among the most brightly colored and attractive animals on the reef. Nudibranchs usually remain under coral heads where waves or currents will not disturb them. Most nudibranchs are carnivores, feeding on coral polyps and other shell animals. some coral polyp eating nudibranchs are able to incorporate live, stinging nematocyst cells (derived from the cnidarians) into their own skins, using these for their own protection.
Opisthobranchia:
SYLLABICATION: o·pis·tho·branch
NOUN: Inflected forms: pl. o·pis·tho·branchs
Any of various marine gastropod mollusks of the subclass Opisthobranchia, characterized by gills, a shell that is reduced or absent, and two pairs of tentacles.
ETYMOLOGY: From New Latin Opisthobranchia , order name : Greek opistho- , behind; see opisthognathous + Greek brankhia , gills.
Invertebrate Zoology: A subclass of mostly marine gastropod mollusks having two pairs of tentacles and a reduced or absent shell and mantle cavity; includes the sea slugs, sea butterflies, sea hares, and bubble shells.
The members of this order have no shell or mantle cavity and their body shape is elongated and symmetrical. The gills are exposed, thus the name "nudi" (naked), "branchia" (gills). Usually encircle the anus on the upper side. Individuals of this group are among the most brightly colored and attractive animals on the reef. Nudibranchs usually remain under coral heads where waves or currents will not disturb them. Most nudibranchs are carnivores, feeding on coral polyps and other shell animals. some coral polyp eating nudibranchs are able to incorporate live, stinging nematocyst cells (derived from the cnidarians) into their own skins, using these for their own protection.
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