| Janolus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Order: | Nudibranchia |
| Suborder: | Janolacea |
| Family: | Janolidae |
| Genus: | Janolus Bergh, 1884 |
| Type species | |
| Janolus australis Bergh, 1884 | |
| Species | |
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See text | |
| Synonyms | |
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Janolus is a genus of small to large sea slugs, or more accurately nudibranchs, marine gastropod mollusks, in the family Janolidae. The name Janolus is derived from the two-headed god Janus, in ancient Roman mythology.
Adult individuals of Janolus species can be between 2.5 cm to 8 cm long, depending on the species. They are semi-translucent and the body is covered in short cerata.
Janolus species are found in many areas world-wide, including Europe, Australia, Japan and Africa.
This genus of nudibranch is found in shallow and subtidal waters.
Janolus species feed on Bryozoa, moss animals.
In California, Navanax is a known predator of Janolus. Navanax tracks the slime of Janolus by using chemoreceptors. When Janolus is about to be caught, it rolls into a ball, leaving its cerata exposed.
Species in the genus Janolus include:
