Hiby's Coriocella (Velvet Snail)
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- Name / Latin
- Hiby's Coriocella (Velvet Snail) — Coriocella hibyae
- Brief description
- Hiby's coriocella (velvet snail) is a marine gastropod mollusk of the Velutinidae family. It has a shell, but it is hidden by mantle folds, so externally the animal resembles a sea slug and in nature often mimics a sponge.
- Size:
- up to 10 cm
- Depth:
- 1–20 m
- Habitat:
- Indian Ocean (Maldives), Indian Ocean (Andaman Islands)
- Family:
- Velutinidae
- Type:
- Mollusk
- Activity:
- Nocturnal
- Conservation status:
- Not Evaluated (NE) — species not evaluated in the IUCN Red List.
Hiby's coriocella (Coriocella hibyae) or velvet snail, is a species of marine gastropod mollusk of the Velutinidae family.
Although this mollusk has a shell, it is hidden in the folds of the mantle, so externally it looks more like a sea slug than a snail. In its natural environment, its appearance resembles a marine sponge, making it difficult to detect underwater.
This species can reach a maximum size of 10 cm in length. It looks more like a sea slug than a sea snail, and on its dorsal side there are five finger-like projections. Body coloration varies from slate-blue to dark brown, with small round black spots, making it look like a sponge. The fragile ear-shaped shell is completely hidden inside the fleshy mantle.
Hiby's coriocella inhabits the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. Found singly or in pairs among rubble and sand, coral and rocky reefs at shallow depths.
A predator – feeds on sponges and other sessile marine organisms.
Uses mimicry, disguising itself as sponges or corals, which helps it avoid predators. Like many sea slugs, it is capable of secreting unpleasant chemicals for protection.
Leads a nocturnal lifestyle, hiding among reefs during the day.
