Back to search
More info | Plus d'info. | Mais info

Ecology of Bursatella leachii
 
Main Ref. Debelius, H., 2001
Remarks Commonly found in estuaries and tidal swimming pools (Ref. 866). Known from depths of 0 to 30 m (Ref. 7727). It is known to secrete purple ink which is produced from the purple gland, speculated to be a defensive decoy (Ref. 81111). The ink may also be a metabolic by-product in response to eating algae, particularly red algae, as observed with the species under the genus Aplysia (Ref. 81114). Primarily feeds on cyanophytes and diatom mats and films found on sand, mud and other benthic substrata; facultatively it consumes Ectocarpus and Enteromorpha spp. (Ref. 81111).

Aquatic zones / Water bodies

Marine - Neritic Marine - Oceanic Brackishwater Freshwater
Marine zones / Brackish and freshwater bodies
  • supra-littoral zone
  • littoral zone
  • sublittoral zone
  • epipelagic
  • mesopelagic
  • epipelagic
  • abyssopelagic
  • hadopelagic
  • estuaries/lagoons/brackish seas
  • mangroves
  • marshes/swamps
  • rivers/streams
  • lakes/ponds
  • caves
  • exclusively in caves
Highighted items on the list are where Bursatella leachii may be found.

Habitat

Substrate Benthic: mobile; Soft Bottom: sand; mud;
Substrate Ref. Masterson, J., 2008
Special habitats Beds: sea grass;
Special habitats Ref.

Associations

Ref. Debelius, H., 2001
Associations
Associated with
Association remarks
Parasitism

feeding

Feeding type mainly plants/detritus (troph. 2-2.19)
Feeding type Ref. Masterson, J., 2008
Feeding habit browsing on substrate
Feeding habit Ref. Masterson, J., 2008

Trophic Level(s)

Estimation method original sample unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition
From individual food items 2.00 0.00 Trophic level and s.e. inferred from exclusive plant/detritus food items.
Ref.
Ref. [ e.g. 3742]
Glossary [ e.g. cnidaria]
Back to Search
Comments & Corrections