Intertidal Invertebrates of the Monterey Bay Area, California
Compiled & photographed by Gary McDonald, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz
Monterey Harbor Docks, Monterey Co., CA; 13 Dec 2008; 9mm total length.
Description: Dorsum bears numerous irregular lines of pale yellow which become small spots on central area of dorsum; between yellow lines are Indian red spots edged with black. Scattered small black to dark green flecks also occur, especially centrally on dorsum. A thin white line occurs around margin of foot. In all, the color pattern of the dorsum very closely resembles the colonies of the bryozoan Membranipora spp. upon which the animal feeds. Rhinophores bear vertical ridges. Branchial plumes 6-14 and may be seen through postero-median notch in dorsum. Can be distinguished from the similar Corambe steinbergae by the ridged rhinophores and postero-median notch in dorsum. Usually found on Membranipora on kelp.
Size: Typically less than 10mm in length.
Notes: Found on its bryozoan prey which grows on kelp.
Monterey Harbor Docks, Monterey Co., CA; 13 Dec 2008; 9mm total length.
Monterey Harbor Docks, Monterey Co., CA; 13 Dec 2008; 9mm total length.
Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo Co., CA; 17 Oct 1971; ~8mm total length.
Black Pt., Santa Cruz Co, CA; 7 Jul 1987.
Monterey Breakwater Docks, Monterey Co., CA; 7 May 2009; 7mm total length. Egg mass on left.
Monterey Breakwater Docks, Monterey Co., CA; 7 May 2009; 10mm total length.
Monterey Breakwater Docks, Monterey Co., CA; 7 May 2009; 10mm total length. Close-up of rhinophore.