Aegires ortizi
A small nudibranch named after Dr. Manuel Ortiz.
This small sea slug, *Aegires ortizi*, is a nudibranch—a type of marine gastropod mollusk—belonging to the family Aegiridae. Its species name honors Dr. Manuel Ortiz of the University of Havana’s Center for Marine Research.
Found in the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, Venezuela, Cuba, and Panama, this nudibranch lives at depths between 2 and 5 meters. In Panama’s Bocas del Toro Archipelago, a single specimen was collected from cyanobacteria growing on coral rubble and sand. In the Bahamas, it has been observed on algae from the genera *Cladophora* and *Sargassum*.
The animal’s body is elongated, reaching up to 8 mm in length. Its large tubercles vary in shape from conical to mushroom-like, sometimes with flattened tops. A semicircle of gill leaves sits on the rear of the back. The background color is typically mottled white, occasionally marked with noticeable brown spots.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Aegires ortizi
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The distribution of Aegires ortizi includes the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, Venezuela, Cuba and Panama. The body is elongate, with large tubercles varying from conical to mushroom-shaped, some with flat tops. Gill leaves form a semicircle on the posterior portion of the dorsum. The background color is usually mottled white, sometimes with noticeable brown spots. It can be up to 8 mm long.
Reader's Guide
Aegires ortizi is known from a limited depth range of 2 to 5 meters. A single specimen was found on cyanobacteria over coral rubble and sand patches in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Panama. In the Bahamas, this species has been found on algae of the genera Cladophora and Sargassum. Its specific epithet honors Cuban researcher Dr. Manuel Ortiz, reflecting the species' connection to Caribbean marine biodiversity. The species contributes to the understanding of the family Aegiridae and its phylogenetic relationships, as studied by Fahey and Gosliner.
Did You Know?
- The specific name ortizi honors Dr. Manuel Ortiz from the Center for Marine Research, University of Havana.
- Minimum recorded depth is 2 m; maximum recorded depth is 5 m.
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