Cratena peregrina

Cratena peregrina

Written by Marina Parha Monday, 22 December 2008 00:00

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See photoalbum of Cratena peregrina and Flabellina affinis.

 

 

General  

Scientific Name or classification 

Cratena (Berg, 1864); Cratena peregrina (Gmelin, 1791)

 

Common Name

Cratena

Synonyms

Hervia costai (Haefelfinger, 1961)

Family

Glaucidae (Order: Nudibranchia; Suborder: Aeolidina)

Etymology

peregrina means wanderer, stranger (Latin origin). 

   

Species Information

Size (TL or SL in cm)

Reported to range between 30 and 50 mm.

Identification

It has a white, transluscent body and 7 to 10 groups of iridescent dorsal cerata. The colour of the cerata varies from orange to dark blue / black, depending on the food of the animal.  The animal is distinguished by two bright orange marks at the base and the tip of each rhinophore. The labial tentacles are long and white or transparent on their base. The foot is long and the tail measures one third of the animal’s total length.

Sexing

This species is a hermaphrodite.

 

Habitat

Natural distribution                

Considered to be endemic in the Mediterranean, this species is also found near the Atlantic coast of Portugal.

Salinity (range /
optimum)

1.027-1.032  

Temperature

8° C - 22° C. (can be kept constantly at 18oC)

Alcalinity (range /
optimum)

n / a

Other parameters 

n / a

Collection Impact

n / a 

 

Husbandry  

Minimum aquarium size

n / a

Light conditions

Prefers subdued lighting.

Suggested Tankmates

Carries cnidosacs containing the stinging cells of Eudendrium hydrarians. May be dangerous to other fish. Very few data in literature.

Suitability for reef tank

Has been kept in aquaria though information is scarce. Studies indicate that depending on its colour, which in turn depends on their diet, they may be able to survive predators in the tank. See Warning Coloration Associated with Nematocst-based Defences in Aeolidiodean Nudibranchs. 

Recommended Tank Size

n/a

Care in Captivity 

Eats eudendrium sp. 

Other remarks                                 

n/a
   

Breeding

Breeding                                                                                   

Hermaphrodite. It is argued that the animal is a hermpaphrodite as it is solitary and wanders a lot. Copulation occurs when two adults are present. The eggs are deposited as a white ribbon around the hybroids on which the animals feed. When the larvae hatch they are carried away by the current and they get to attach themselves to surfaces as adults.

 

 

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