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Bathydevius caudactylus Robison & Haddock, 2024
Bathydevius caudactylus Robison & Haddock, 2024
Description
The mystery mollusc (Bathydevius caudactylus) produces brilliant bioluminescence to deter predators. If threatened, a diffuse glow spreads over the oral hood and finger-like dactyls in the tail. MBARI researchers also observed an animal illuminate and then detach a steadily glowing dactyl from the tail, much like a lizard dropping its tail to distract a predator.

Credit: © MBARI

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Source: Robison, B. H.; Haddock, S. H. (2024). Discovery and description of a remarkable bathypelagic nudibranch, Bathydevius caudactylus, gen. et. sp. nov. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers. 214: 104414: 1-8., available online at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2024.104414
  Author © MBARI ·  GIF file - 1.18 MB - 640 x 360 pixels added on 2025-03-1057 viewsMolluscaBase taxaVideo of species Bathydevius caudactylus Robison & Haddock, 2024checked Bouchet, Philippe 2025-03-10 © 2025 © MBARI
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