Chromodorididae Family of Nudibranchs

Seven Nudibranchs of the Chromodorididae Family can be found in this website:

Phylogeny:  Nudibranchs of the Chromodorididae Family are in the phylum Mollusca, the class Gastropoda, and the order Nudibranchia. The Chromodorididae Family is one of six families in the superfamily Chromodoridoidea. The Chromodorididae Family contains two subfamilies, eighteen genera, and three hundred ninety-eight species. The name Chromodorididae comes from the Greek words meaning “colorful dorid”, which indicates the wide variety of colors and patterns they display. Species in this family are commonly referred to as Chromodorids.

Morphology:  The Chromodorids are soft-bodied gastropods that lose their shells during their larval phase. These nudibranchs have “naked gills” exposed on their backs that are utilized to separate these Chromodorids into two main classifications, the Aeolids and the Dorids. The Aeolids have a mantle that forms a series of finger-like projections (cerrata) along the entire back of the animal; these cerrata function as gills that assist with digestion, and they can incorporate stinging cells, from their prey, that they utilize for defense. The Dorids have a thick mantle on their back (dorsal surface) that extends over the foot; their gills consist of feathery plumes that encircle the anus. They have an elongated oval profile with a mantle that extends well beyond the foot. The mantle is usually smooth, though some species have sparse, low tubercles. Their heads have flattened oral lobes, that resemble tentacles, around the mouth that assist with feeding. The anterior portion of the foot (propodium) is composed of two thin layer (bilaminate) and not notched at the mid-line. All chromodorids have lamellate (scaly) rhinophores (horn-like projections) on their heads that are chemosensory organs that help them to locate food and potential mates. Chromodorids are cryptobranchia, indicative that they can withdraw their gills in to a special compartment, to protect them from being nipped by predators. They lack complex eyes, but have photo-receptors that sense light and dark. Despite their inability to see color, nudibranchs are some of the most brightly colored of all animals deriving the pigments for their color from the food they eat. The Chromodorids reach a maximum of 30 cm (11.5 inches) in length but most are less than 2.0 cm (0.8 inches).

Habitat and Distribution: Chromodorids are found on, or under, rocks, in crevasses, and on vertical and overhanging surfaces. Most Chromodorids are found intertidally, and to depths up to 30 m (98 feet), either because it is the actual depth limit, or because most observations are made by SCUBA divers. Chromodorids are found worldwide, in tropical to temperate seas. At least  twenty-two species from the Chromodorididae Family are found in Mexican waters.

Reproduction:  Chromodorids are simultaneous hermaphrodites (having both male and female reproductive organs). Reproduction is sexual with internal fertilization. The eggs are laid as a sticky, spiral-shaped, ribbon on the surface of the reef or other hard surface. Neither parent tends or protects the eggs. The eggs hatch into planktonic larva and then settle to the bottom to begin benthic life.

Ecosystem Roles:  Chromodorids feed on sponges utilizing large radular (rasp-like) teeth to assist with that process. They can store toxins from their prey in glands in their mantle that makes them toxic or distasteful to predators. There have been documented sightings of various crabs, fish, sea anemones, starfish and polychaete worms attempting to consume Chromodorids, but they stop after a taste, or disgorge the animal after several hours. Despite this defense mechanism, Chromodorids are preyed upon by other nudibranch species.