Gastropteron [Gastropteron]

Description

Gastropteron is a genus within the Philinidae family, distinguished by its small, winged sea slugs, which are known for their benthic, free-swimming lifestyle. These creatures exhibit a unique body form with parapodia (lateral outgrowths) that allow them to swim or glide for short distances above the substrate. The body is soft and often brightly colored, which might serve as a warning for potential predators about their toxic nature. Gastropteron feeds on microalgae and detritus, using a specialized radula to scrape their food from surfaces. Their distribution is widespread across temperate and tropical seas, where they inhabit shallow waters and coral reefs.

Species

Pacific Sea Slug [Gastropteron pacificum]

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Atlantic Sea Slug [Gastropteron atlanticum]

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Mediterranean Sea Slug [Gastropteron rubrum]

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Taxonomy