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. 2025 Feb;520(1):1-4.
doi: 10.1134/S0012496624600295. Epub 2025 Jan 22.

Nudibranch Coryphella trophina (Bergh, 1890) (Gastropoda, Nudibranchia) Uses Twice Stolen Nematocysts for Its Defense

N R Krupitskaya  1 , I A Ekimova  2 , V V Malakhov  2
Affiliations

Nudibranch Coryphella trophina (Bergh, 1890) (Gastropoda, Nudibranchia) Uses Twice Stolen Nematocysts for Its Defense

N R Krupitskaya et al. Dokl Biol Sci. 2025 Feb.

Abstract

Most nudibranchs feed on hydroids and anemones and utilize kleptocnidae, which are stinging capsules stolen from eaten victims, for their own defense. The nudibranch Coryphella trophina (Bergh, 1890) was found to eat other nudibranchs. Stinging capsules that the predator uses for its defense have been stolen twice: first by mollusks feeding on cnidarians and then by C. trophina eating the mollusks.

Keywords: Nudibranchia; cerata; cnidosacs; feeding; kleptocnidae; nudibranch mollusks.

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Conflict of interest statement

ETHICS APPROVAL AND CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE: In accordance with Directive 2010/63/EU of September 22, 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, Chapter 1, Paragraph 3, the requirements of bioethics do not apply to the subject of this study. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors of this work declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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