Leminda
Monotypic genus of frilled nudibranch endemic to South Africa.
Leminda is a genus of sea slugs, a type of shell-less marine gastropod, and the sole member of the family Lemindidae. This genus contains only one species, *Leminda millecra*, commonly called the frilled nudibranch. So far, it has been recorded exclusively along the coast of South Africa.
This species is endemic to South African waters, ranging from the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula to Port Elizabeth, at depths of 10 to 40 metres. Deeper specimens have also been collected by trawling off the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
The frilled nudibranch is a large, smooth-bodied animal, reaching up to 90 millimetres in length, with a distinctly frilled appearance. Its body is robust and raised, featuring a velum, or anterior veil. Coloration can be pink or brown, depending on pigments from its food in the digestive gland ducts, while the mantle’s edge is white or bright blue. This margin is expanded, wavy, and held above the body, with large sinuous folds. There is a break in the mantle edge between the rhinophores—pale, smooth, tapering sensory tentacles that do not retract into pockets. The foot is large and well-developed. The radula is broad, with multiple rows of hook-shaped teeth. The digestive gland branches extensively into the mantle margin. The animal lacks eyes. A copulatory sac opens between the male and female reproductive openings.
The egg mass of *Leminda millecra* consists of thick, white, convoluted curls, with large eggs clearly visible. It is reported to feed on the soft coral *Alcyonium fauri*.
The genus name is an adaptation of the describing author’s daughter’s name.
Quick Facts
- Grandparent Authority
- R. J. Griffiths, 1985
- Genus
- Leminda
- Species
- millecra
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Leminda millecra is a large (up to 90 mm) smooth-bodied nudibranch with a frilled appearance. Its body is robust and elevated, with a velum, or anterior veil. The body may have pink or brown pigmentation, depending on the food colour in its digestive gland ducts, with the margin of the mantle having a white or bright bluish edge. The margin is expanded and waving with large sinuous folds, held above the body, and bears an anterior break along the mantle edge between its rhinophores, which are pale, smooth, tapering, and do not retract into pockets. The foot is large and well-developed. The radula is broad and arranged in multiple series with hook-shaped teeth. The digestive gland branches extensively into the mantle margin. The animal has no eyes. A bag used in copulation opens between the male and female reproductive openings.
The egg mass consists of fat white convoluted curls with large eggs distinctly visible. It is reported to feed on the soft coral Alcyonium fauri. The genus name comes from an adaptation of the describing author's daughter's name.
Reader's Guide
Leminda is notable as the sole genus of the family Lemindidae, represented by a single species, Leminda millecra, known as the frilled nudibranch. Its distribution is strictly limited to the South African coast, from the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula to Port Elizabeth at depths of 10–40 m, with deeper specimens trawled off the KwaZulu-Natal coast. The species is characterized by its large size (up to 90 mm), smooth body, and frilled mantle margin with a white or bright bluish edge. Its coloration varies with diet, reflecting pigments from its digestive gland ducts. It feeds on the soft coral Alcyonium fauri. The genus name derives from the describing author's daughter's name. The animal lacks eyes and has a broad radula with hook-shaped teeth. Its egg mass consists of fat white convoluted curls with large visible eggs. These features contribute to its significance as a distinct lineage within nudibranchs, with a restricted endemic range and specialized feeding ecology.
Did You Know?
- Leminda is the only genus in the family Lemindidae.
- The frilled nudibranch can grow up to 90 mm in length.
- It has no eyes and its rhinophores do not retract into pockets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Leminda?
Leminda is a genus of shell-less marine gastropods (sea slugs) that sits within the family Lemindidae. It is a monotypic genus, meaning only a single species has ever been placed in it.
What is the only species in the genus Leminda?
The sole member is Leminda millecra, widely known as the frilled nudibranch. It is a large, smooth-bodied nudibranch restricted to South African coastal waters.
Where can you find Leminda millecra in the wild?
This species is endemic to South Africa, with records stretching from the Atlantic-facing side of the Cape Peninsula eastward to Port Elizabeth. Deeper specimens have also been netted by trawling off the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
How big does the frilled nudibranch grow and at what depths does it live?
Leminda millecra can reach roughly 90 mm in length, placing it among the larger nudibranchs. It is normally encountered between 10 and 40 metres, though trawl catches from the KwaZulu-Natal shelf have pulled up individuals from greater depths.
How is Leminda classified in the nudibranch family tree?
Leminda is the only genus in the family Lemindidae, making that family a monotypic lineage as well. Its single species, L. millecra, therefore represents the entire family in every respect.
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