Shaggy Aegires

Description

The mantle and the tail have spicules arranged into numerous, high papillae, each being narrow with an enlarged spherical cap. Most papillae have a magenta spot at the summit, but some papillae, especially on the sides, are white. The body is generally opaque white with some yellow or apricot/orange patches dorsally. They are also usually some magenta spots and streaks on the dorsum. The smooth, simple rhinophores are always orange with a crimson tip, as are the extra-branchial appendages that surround the white gill. In juveniles the papillae are proportionally much longer than in adults.

Distribution

Widespread Indo-West Pacific species.

Diet

Aegires villosus feeds on calcareous sponges.