Fokuseeridae

Fokuseeridae is a family of marine gastropods in the order Nudibranchia, commonly known as sea slugs. The family includes a small number of species that share certain morphological traits, though its exact relationships to other nudibranch families remain subject to revision.

Taxonomy and naming: Fokuseeridae was established to accommodate two genera, Fokuseera and Focusella, described from Indo-Pacific reefs. The name derives from the type genus Fokuseera and conforms to standard zoological nomenclature.

Description: Members are small to medium-sized nudibranchs, typically 15–40 mm in length. They show a smooth to lightly textured mantle, with gill structures that may be present or reduced depending on the genus. Quietly bright color patterns are common, possibly serving as aposematic signals to deter predators. The radula and reproductive organs exhibit features that distinguish the family from related groups.

Distribution and ecology: Fokuseeridae inhabits tropical reef environments, with records concentrated in the western Indian Ocean and central Indo-Pacific, at depths of about 5–50 meters. They are benthic carnivores, feeding on sessile invertebrates such as bryozoans and sponges, and they may sequester defensive compounds from their prey.

Status and research: Data on species diversity and population status are limited. Molecular studies are beginning to clarify the relationships of Fokuseeridae with related nudibranch families, but the precise taxonomic placement within Nudibranchia remains a topic of ongoing research.