User:Vertebrates.for.Invertebrates/Chromodoris annae

Distribution
This species of nudibranch is found in the central area of the Indo-Pacific region from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines to the Marshall Islands. 'The Indo-Pacific region that Chromodoris annae'' can be found in is rich in biodiversity. This is a tropical region made up of shallow waters and expanses of coastal shoreline. It is teeming with many different coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses. During the day, the nudibranch is typically found alone within coral reefs.  Chromodoris annae can reach depths of between 15-30m.'''

Ecology
Chromodoris annae has a diet that consists of only one group of sponge , known as Petrosaspongia sp. '''This nudibranch seeks out this group of sponge due to its noxious chemical composition. Chromodoris annae is able to absorb this compound and store it in glands that stretch around the mantle. These stored chemicals are unpleasant to some surrounding fish, allowing Chromodoris annae to avoid predation. Along with toxin production, it is also believed that the vibrant coloration of Chromodoris annae could be considered aposematic and may be a visual deterrent for predators. Currently, the only predators of Chromodoris annae and others of the Chromodoris species are a carnivorous nudibranch genus Gymnodoris.'''

Behavior
'Generally, Chromodoris annae'' is a documented docile species of nudibranch. Despite the record of non-aggression, there was one reported case of intraspecific aggression between two Chromodoris annae sea slugs. Both nudibranchs were using a foot to keep them attached to the substrate below, but they were intertwined one on top of the other. They would lunge at each other, presenting their buccal mass and radula in repeated rasping cycles. After some time, the fighting continued with both nudibranchs circling around each other, remaining in close contact and continuing the few second rasping cycles. At one point, one nudibranch reared up and over the other, coming down over the top with its exposed radula. The biting attacks appeared to be targeted, aiming for the head, mantle, and the gills. After some time, both Chromodoris annae specimens moved out of contact with one another. Both of the individuals sustained some minor damage to their mantle.'''

Reproduction
Chromodoris annae is a planar spawning species, meaning that this nudibranch lays a flat, two-dimensional, egg mass.' Chromodoris annae'' lays egg masses in an arrangement that begins in the center and works its way outward, creating a spiral formation. These eggs are somewhat translucent; however, this nudibranch has a cream-colored ovum, which can then give the egg masses a slight cream-colored hue. Each egg mass consists of approximately 3-4 whorls.'''