Intertidal Invertebrates of the Monterey Bay Area, California
Compiled & photographed by Gary McDonald, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz
Asilomar, Monterey Co., CA; 17 Feb 2008; 21mm total length.
Description: Ground color yellow, dorsum with numerous small, white dots. Rhinophores yellow to brown, with about 14 lamellae. Branchial plumes 7-8, bipinnate, white, held vertically when fully expanded. Labial tentacles digitiform. Can be distinguished from the much more common Doriopsilla albopunctata which has softer texture, has rudimentary labial tentacles, has wider foot, and has 5, tripinnate, white branchial plumes which spread wider when expanded.
Size: Typically about 25mm in length, but may reach 36mm.
Notes: Indidviduals have been found in the sea water holding tanks at Long Marine Lab, in association with the sponge Oscarella carmela which it may eat.
Asilomar, Monterey Co., CA; 17 Feb 2008; 21mm total length.
Carmel Pt., Monterey Co., CA; 13 Nov 2008; 22mm total length.
Carmel Pt., Monterey Co., CA; 13 Nov 2008; 22mm total length.
Asilomar, Monterey Co., CA; 17 Feb 2008; 21mm total length. Close-up of rhinophore.
Carmel Pt., Monterey Co., CA; 13 Nov 2008; 22mm total length. Close-up of branchial plumes.
Carmel Pt., Monterey Co., CA; 13 Nov 2008; 22mm total length. Close-up of labial tentacles.