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; 29mm total length.
Description: Ground color rose-pink, dorsal processes same color, or occasionally a lighter shade of same color. Dorsum densely covered with numerous very long, gently tapered, processes. Rhinophores with 18-24 lamellae; rose-pink on shaft, and somewhat darker pink on clavus. Branchial plumes 7-14, unipinnate, dark rose-pink.
Size: Typically 20mm in length, but may reach at least 30mm.
Notes: Feeds on the pink bryozoan Eurystomella bilabiata, from which it obtains the pink pigment (hopkinsiaxanthin).
Carmel Pt., Monterey Co., CA; 25 Oct 2007; ~14mm total length.
Carmel Pt., Monterey Co., CA; 19 Jan 2008; ~18mm total length.
Carmel Pt., Monterey Co., CA; 19 Jan 2008; ~18mm total length.
Scott Creek, Santa Cruz Co., CA; 10 Dec 2008; 4mm total length.