User:Baileyld/Jorunna

The Jorunna parva, can also be referred to as a "Sea Bunny." This creature is a species of dorid nudibranch. It belongs in the family of Discodorididae.

Jorunna parva
The Jorunna parva, can also be referred to as a "Sea Bunny." This creature is a species of dorid nudibranch. It belongs in the family of Discodorididae. It abides in the Gastropoda class. These creatures are also considered a part of the oceans well-known sea slugs.

Description
These species are about 1 to 2 cm long and has has black-and-white rhinophores, which have a similar appearance to rabbit ears. Its body is covered in papillae, which they use for sensory functions. These papillae also give the appearance of a fuzzy or furry animal. There are different colors of papillae that have been discovered which leads scientists to believe the different colors are dignifying separate species that vary in color such as yellow, green, white, or orange. Although, these specific variants of colors are difficult to photograph. This underwater creature has gills just like. most aquatic animals. The gills are located on the behind side, where a flower-like shape is present.

These sea bunnies have a strange diet, it consists of sponges in the Chalinidae family. These sponges contain a variety of toxins and poisons, one being a cancer treatment.

 Distribution 

Jorunna can be found in very few places, one being the water around Japan and in other parts of the Pacific oceans. They can also be found throughout the Indo-Pacific Ocean from South Africa to the central Pacific.

 Reproduction & Survival 

Jorunna larva are hemaphrodites, they have male and female reproductive systems. However, they are not able to fertilize themselves. During mating, both partners release sperm for exchange. They are armed with extremely long copulatory spines, that act as a dart for jabbing into its partner during the mating process. The purpose of this is for the two organisms to stay attached to each other until all sperm has been exchanged.

Jorunna have a very short life span, some surviving up to a year, others are not as lucky. Meaning, whenever they have an opportunity to mate it is very important.

The Sea Bunny does not have much worry when it comes to predators and being hunted. This is because they are poisonous, very toxic. When a Jorunna parva is being hunted and being consumed, they release toxins into the predator, weakening them immediately causing them to suffer and face death. J. parva, belong to a group of sea slugs called the dorid nudibranchs, the sea bunny steals its toxic defenses from its food.

These magnificent creatures are super nifty. They steal the stingers from a jellyfish and use them as a form of defense as well.