Black Veluntinid 

Coriocella nigra

Habitat & Distribution :  Indo-Pasific Ocean

Diet: Spons

Size: 8 - 10 cm

Lifespan: 1 year

Description

The Black Velutinid—also known as the Network Lamellaria—is a species of sea snail (a gastropod mollusk) belonging to the family Velutinidae. This unique creature is often mistaken for a nudibranch (or sea slug) because its shell is completely invisible from the outside. Its body is predominantly velvety black, dark brown, or dark green. This sea snail possesses an internal shell, as the shell is located entirely within its body.

Behavior

Active at night, this animal leads a nocturnal lifestyle. During the day, it typically hides in crevices or among rock rubble to avoid predators.

Reproduction

As a marine gastropod of the family Velutinidae—a group that is generally gonochoristic (with separate male and female sexes), though some close relatives are hermaphroditic—Coriocella nigra reproduces sexually, with fertilization occurring either internally or through the release of gametes into the water.

Communication & Perception

Coriocella nigra possesses a highly distinctive system of communication and environmental perception for a marine gastropod mollusk. Inhabiting complex coral reef environments and often active at night (nocturnal), the animal relies on chemical and tactile senses rather than vision.