The sea lemon, archidoris pseudoargus, is a common sea slug. They measure up to 4.7 inches (12 centimeters) long, making them a very small animal. They come in a variety of colors such as pink, yellow, brown, white, green and even red. Their backs are covered in bumps called tubercles and have a ring or 8 to 9 retractable feathery gills that are located towards their rear. They are usually mottled to a certain degree, which is believed to help them blend into their environment.
The sea lemon is commonly found around the coastline of Britain, but can also be found from Iceland to the Mediterranean. They tend to stay around the lower shore, often underneath large rocks. They may even be found inside of rock crevices. This creature has been seen at depths of around 984 feet (300 meters).
The diet of a sea lemon consists primarily of the bread-crumb sponge, although other sponges are acceptable. Once they start feeding on a particular species of food, they will usually stick to it, even if they move to another location. Predators do not care to make a meal out of the sea lemon due to its penetrating odor and acidic taste. Their bright colors are actually a warning to potential predators to eat at their own risk. Fish have been known to spit them out if they have accidentally been ingested.
Breeding season for the sea lemon takes place in the spring. They are hermaphroditic, meaning that they have both male and female reproductive organs. Thousands of eggs are produced in a long mass, which will attach to rocks and look like a whitish or yellowish coiled ribbon. The eggs will hatch after about 4 weeks and the emerging larvae are free-swimming. The larvae will remain in their pelagic stage (in which they inhabit the open ocean) for about 3 months, at which time they will undergo a metamorphosis and become adults. Less than 1% of the larvae will survive to make to this form. This creature has been known to live to be 1 year old, although it is thought that they may live longer.
The sea lemon is not an endangered species and is in fact, abundant and widespread. The biggest threats to them are pollution and the loss of their natural habitat. With any luck, this creature will continue its peaceful coexistence with humans (which is possible as long as their ecosystems are protected). After all, such a unique animal deserves to live and prosper far into the future.
Works Cited
“Sea Lemon” 5 January 2012
“Sea Lemon (Archidoris Pseudoargus)” 5 January 2012
“Sea Lemon-Archidoris Pseudoargus” 5 January 2012