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Pilgrim hervia

Distribution : Mediterranean

On a hydroid colony, Cratena peregrina can move among the same branches that provide its food. It eats polyps there and may obtain small animals they have just captured. A scene only millimetres across therefore reveals several feeding relationships at once.

Habitat of Pilgrim hervia Habitat
Rocky habitat, Coralligenous habitat
Depth range of Pilgrim hervia Depth
0-10 m
Biological group of Pilgrim hervia Group
Ecological role of Pilgrim hervia Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This shell-less slug generally measures around three centimetres, sometimes up to five. Its white body carries many cerata, back projections containing digestive branches, coloured orange, brown or violet with bluish tips.

The head has two long white tentacles and two rhinophores, sensory organs detecting substances in water, with orange upper parts. Two orange marks sit towards the front. The long tapered tail lacks cerata.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It inhabits rocky seabeds, particularly where Eudendrium hydroids grow. These colonial animals form small branches and are not algae.

Encounters are frequent in the warmer season when colonies are available. The slug uses the branches for movement, support and feeding.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It eats polyps, the hydroid’s small feeding units, using its radula, a band of teeth in the mouth. It also obtains plankton recently captured by the polyps.

Experiments showed more frequent selection of well-fed polyps. This describes an observed feeding response without attributing intention or reasoning to the slug.

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Pilgrim hervia

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