Intertidal Invertebrates of the Monterey Bay Area, California
Compiled & photographed by Gary McDonald, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz
Monterey Breakwater Docks, Monterey Co., CA; 7 May 2009; 5mm total length.
Description: Dorsum with approximately 7-10 broken, irregular, longitudinal, opaque white lines which are borne upon ridges medially; marginally dorsum bears similar lines which are shorter, more broken and more irregular. Between these line are scattered small, irregular blotches of reddish-brown. In all, the color pattern of the dorsum very closely resembles the colonies of the bryozoan Membranipora spp. upon which the animal feeds. Rhinophores smooth and tapered to blunt tips. Branchial plumes 2-4, located posteriorly below edge of dorsum. Can be distinguished from the similar Corambe pacifica by the smooth rhinophores and lack of postero-median notch in dorsum.
Size: Typically less than 10mm in length.
Notes: Usually found on its bryozoan prey, Membranipora on kelp.
Monterey Breakwater Docks, Monterey Co., CA; 7 May 2009; 5mm total length.
Monterey Breakwater Docks, Monterey Co., CA; 7 May 2009; 7mm total length.
Monterey Breakwater Docks, Monterey Co., CA; 7 May 2009; 5mm total length. Close-up of rhinophore.