Family
Aglajid headshield slugs
Aglajidae
- Species in the gallery
- 9
- Genera
- 6
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Description
Aglajidae are head-shield slugs of the order Cephalaspidea. The family includes genera such as Chelidonura, Philinopsis, Navanax, Aglaja and Odontoglaja, with species in tropical and temperate seas worldwide. They are active predators that lack a radula and swallow prey whole, mainly flatworms, other sea slugs, polychaetes or small fish depending on the genus. Many follow the mucus trails of their prey, and the shell is reduced and internal.
Identification
Smooth, elongate slugs with no rhinophores or cerata; the body is divided into a large flat head shield in front and a posterior shield behind, with wing-like parapodia along the sides. The rear end often has two tail-like lobes, sometimes of unequal length. They are frequently seen gliding on sand or rubble, often in bold black, blue, orange or striped patterns.
Genera
9 species
Sources (2)
Share link: https://seaslugs.org.il/family/Aglajidae/