White-spotted nudibranch

The white-spotted nudibranch (Doriopsilla capensis) is a species of sea slug, a dorid nudibranch. It is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Dendrodorididae.

White-spotted nudibranch
A live individual of Doriopsilla capensis, head end towards the lower left.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Heterobranchia
Order: Nudibranchia
Suborder: Doridina
Superfamily: Phyllidioidea
Family: Dendrodorididae
Genus: Doriopsilla
Species:
D. capensis
Binomial name
Doriopsilla capensis
(Bergh, 1907)

Distribution

This species has so far only been found around the southern African coast off the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula in 10–30 m. It is probably endemic.[1]

Description

The white-spotted nudibranch has a translucent white- to tan-coloured body, which may have a bluish tinge. The body is covered with white protuberances. The margin is opaque white. The perfoliate rhinophores are cream-coloured as is the gill rosette. It may reach a total length of 30 mm.[2]

Ecology

This species has been found among sponges.

References

  1. GOSLINER, T.M. 1987. Nudibranchs of Southern Africa ISBN 0-930118-13-8
  2. ZSILAVECZ, G. 2007. Nudibranchs of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay. ISBN 0-620-38054-3
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