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Melibe engeli Risbec, 1937
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Click the thumbnail photos to enhance!
The most unique attribute of the genus Melibe and so of Melibe engeli is their method of
feeding. They have no radular teeth and but have developed the oral veil into a large veil or "fish net"
which they use to constantly scan the substrate as they crawl along. When the sensitive papillae on the
inner edge of the oral veil touch a small crab or crustacean the edge of the veil is rapidly contracted,
trapping the prey, which is then ingested.
Melibe engeli is easily recognisable because it is the only known translucent Melibe.
The body and cerata are translucent greenish yellow, with numerous small papillae, the digestive gland
duct is well visible in the median part of each ceras, some internal organs are visible through the body.
More informations on Melibe engeli are at
Bill Rudman's Sea-Slug Forum!
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