Intertidal Invertebrates of the Monterey Bay Area, California
Compiled & photographed by Gary McDonald, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz
Carmel Point, Monterey Co., CA; 31 July 2007; 31mm total length.
Description: Ground color varies from almost white to chocolate brown, but is most commonly pale cream to raw umber; dorsum marked with brown to almost black rings or occasionally irregular blotches of various sizes, number and position; most commonly these rings are arranged in 2 longitudinal rows, one on either side of median line, 3-4 in each row, but this is highly variable, and occasional individuals may lack the brown to black pigment. Rhinophores with 9-30 lamellae. Branchial plumes 6-7, tripinnate, greyish-white to dusky, with whitish tips.
Size: Typically about 25mm in length, but individuals up to 150mm have been reported.
Notes: Feeds on several sponges, including: Halichondria panicea & Haliclona permollis.
Pigeon Pt., San Mateo Co., CA; 26 Oct 2007; ~43mm total length.
Pigeon Pt., San Mateo Co., CA; 23 Dec 2007; 30mm total length.
Carmel Pt., Monterey Co., CA; 7 May 2008; 24mm total length.
Carmel Pt., Monterey Co., CA; 7 May 2008; 24mm total length. Close-up of rhinophore.
Pigeon Pt., San Mateo Co., CA: 23 Dec 2007; 34mm total length.
Pigeon Pt., San Mateo Co., CA; 11 Dec 2008; 18mm total length.
Pigeon Pt., San Mateo Co., CA; 11 Dec 2008; 18mm total length.
Pigeon Pt., San Mateo Co., CA; 8 Jan 2009; 31mm total length.
Pigeon Pt., San Mateo Co., CA; 26 Oct 2007; 36mm total length.
Scott Cr., Santa Cruz Co., CA; 26 Apr 2009; 10mm total length.
Asilomar, Monterey Co., CA; 27 Apr 2009; 5mm total length.
Great Tidepool, Pacific Grove, Monterey Co., CA; 26 May 2009; 8mm total length.