User:TP0041/Dolabrifera dolabrifera

= Dolabrifera dolabrifera = Dolabrifera dolabrifera are also called warty seacats.

Distribution
The Dolabrifera dolabrifera live in the tropical and temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Caribbean Sea.

Dolabrifera nicaraguana live in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Both the Dolabrifera ascifera and D. virens live in the Atlantic Ocean and some parts of the Caribbean. The Dolabrifera brazieri are endemic to the eastern temperate coasts of Australia and New Zealand.

Description
Depending on their location, this species has multiple colors and shapes. Their colors range from red, pink, brown, green, and purple. Tubercles on their surfaces give texture to their backs. They have wide backs and their body narrows towards their heads. Their oral tentacles are wide and have varying lengths and base widths. The midgut gland of the Dolabrifera dolabrifera has toxins that can kill predators. Dolabrifera are prompted to lay eggs when injected with neurohormones from other Hawaiian Aplysiidae.

Habitat
This species is commonly found under rocks in the intertidal area. They leave their hiding places under the rocks when the tide is at its lowest during the day.

Human Use
Research is taking place to dictate whether Dolabrifera dolabrifera have compounds that can be used medicinally. Caribbean Dolabrifera species have dolabriferol that can be used as an antibiotic. Eastern Pacific Dolabrifera have a substance that can be used to treat leishmaniasis.