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Dendrodorididae
Dendrodorididae is a family of dorid nudibranchs (superfamily Phyllidioidea) with the genera Dendrodoris and Doriopsilla. Members lack a radula and instead digest sponges externally with secretions from a muscular oral tube, sucking in the result. They occur in tropical and temperate seas worldwide, and several species are common in the Mediterranean, including Israel. They produce distasteful defensive chemicals.
Soft, smooth, rather slimy dorids with a broad, wavy mantle and no tough spicules, often in black, brown, red, orange or yellow. The gills are a large, branched circlet on the rear of the back and can be withdrawn; the rhinophores are lamellate. The soft, pliable body helps distinguish them from the rougher Discodorididae.
Share link: https://seaslugs.org.il/family/Dendrodorididae/
