''Hydromyles globulosus'' is the only species of sea slug in the genus ''Hydromyles'', and the only member of the family Hydromylidae. It is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean.
The species is
pelagic
The pelagic zone consists of the water column of the open ocean and can be further divided into regions by depth. The word ''pelagic'' is derived . The pelagic zone can be thought of as an imaginary cylinder or water column between the sur ...
,
carnivorous
A carnivore , or meat-eater (Latin, ''caro'', genitive ''carnis'', meaning meat or "flesh" and ''vorare'' meaning "to devour"), is an animal or plant whose nutrition and energy requirements are met by consumption of animal tissues (mainly mu ...
and
viviparous
In animals, viviparity is development of the embryo inside the body of the mother, with the maternal circulation providing for the metabolic needs of the embryo's development, until the mother gives birth to a fully or partially developed juve ...
.
They are unique among
sea angels
A sea is a large body of salt water. There are particular seas and the sea. The sea commonly refers to the ocean, the interconnected body of seawaters that spans most of Earth. Particular seas are either marginal seas, second-order section ...
in that they brood their young.
Their young develop within the body of their mother, and emerge as juveniles.
They are capable of producing an
ink
Ink is a gel, sol, or solution that contains at least one colorant, such as a dye or pigment, and is used to color a surface to produce an image, text, or design. Ink is used for drawing or writing with a pen, brush, reed pen, or quill. ...
-like substance, which they release if disturbed.
Appearance
''H. globulosus'' has a distinct head, round body, and long tentacles.
The body is translucent but the internal organs are bright orange or yellow in colour. Besides tentacles, it has two "wings" derived from its modified foot.
Distribution and ecology
''H. globulosus'' is found in the eastern
Indo-Pacific Ocean
The Indo-Pacific is a vast biogeographic region of Earth. In a narrow sense, sometimes known as the Indo-West Pacific or Indo-Pacific Asia, it comprises the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, the western and central Pacific Ocean, and the s ...
, but its range is strongly influenced by currents.
It is frequently found in large numbers.
In popular culture
The species was featured in the 2009 video game ''
Endless Ocean 2''.
External links
Media (includes distribution map) - Pelagic Molluscs 2.0
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q3731654
Euopisthobranchia
Molluscs of the Indian Ocean
Molluscs of the Pacific Ocean