Cadlina laevis, also known as the white Atlantic cadlina, is a species of nudibranch in the family Cadlinidae. This species is found along the Norwegian coast and is known for its characteristic sulphur-yellow glands which can secrete sulfuric acid as a defense against predators.
Cadlina laevis feeds on crust-forming sponges and is found from the beach zone and has been observed down to 700 metres. It is oval in body shape, very flat and with a mantle that covers the entire body. Can be up to 32 millimeters long.
Stores sulfuric acid. Uses chemical weapons in self-defense.
Cadlina laevis has few natural enemies, although its sulphur-yellow glands that secrete sulfuric acid provide some protection . Among the natural enemies we find certain species of fish and other nudibranchs that can be resistant to its chemical defences .
Other defense mechanisms are good retractibility, which means that it withdraws its rhinophores (sensory organs) and the gill bush into pockets on its body. It has a body color that varies from almost transparent white to yellow, which helps it blend into its surroundings and avoid detection by predators.
Found in the Mediterranean and to the Barents Sea, including the entire Norwegian coast and as far as Svalbard. It lays the eggs in a circle and it takes approx. 50 days before they hatch. The larvae that crawl out are like tiny copies of the adults.
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