MarLIN

information on the biology of species and the ecology of habitats found around the coasts and seas of the British Isles

A sea slug (Aeolidiella sanguinea)

Distribution data supplied by the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS). To interrogate UK data visit the NBN Atlas.

Researched byEmily Wilson Refereed byAdmin
Authority(Norman, 1877)
Other common names- Synonyms-

Summary

Description

A sea slug with an orange brown body which is covered by an extensive fawn or light brown surface pigment, with a rim around the edge of the foot. It has numerous protrusions along its body (cerata) that are also covered with dense flecks of fawn coloured pigment. Aeolidiella sanguinea grows up to 46 mm.

Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland

A nationally rare species, recorded from Lough Hyne, Galway Bay and Donegal Bay in Ireland and from the Calf of Man, Isle of Man.

Global distribution

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Habitat

Typically a sublittoral species but occasionally found on the lower shore in muddy inlets but also on exposed rocky coasts.

Depth range

-

Identifying features

  • Superficial pigment on ceratal surfaces and around edge of foot.
  • The hear bears sensory tentacles (rhinophores) and oral tentacles with outer portion pigmented.
  • Rhinophores, cerata and oral tentacles bear white tips.

Additional information

This species feeds on Sagartiid anemones, especially Sagartia elegans (Picton & Morrow, 1994).

Listed by

Further information sources

Search on:

NBN WoRMS

Bibliography

  1. Howson, C.M. & Picton, B.E. (ed.), 1997. The species directory of the marine fauna and flora of the British Isles and surrounding seas. Belfast: Ulster Museum. [Ulster Museum publication, no. 276.]

  2. Picton, B. E. & Morrow, C.C., 1994. A Field Guide to the Nudibranchs of the British Isles. London: Immel Publishing Ltd.

  3. Thompson, T.E. & Brown, G.H., 1984. Biology of Opisthobranch Molluscs, vol. II. London: Ray Society.

Citation

This review can be cited as:

Wilson, E. 2006. Aeolidiella sanguinea A sea slug. In Tyler-Walters H. and Hiscock K. (eds) Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Reviews, [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Available from: http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/1260

Last Updated: 14/08/2006