Intertidal Invertebrates of the Monterey Bay Area, California Compiled & photographed by Gary McDonald, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz |
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Polycera atra MacFarland, 1905 | |
Orange-spike Polycera | |
Mollusca: Gastropoda: Opisthobranchia: Nudibranchia: Doridina: Anadoridoidea: Polyceridae | |
Geographic Range: Cape Arago, Oregon, to La Paz, Gulf of California, Mexico. | Synonyms: |
Back to: Doridina | Back to: Intertidal Invertebrates of the Monterey Bay Area |
Monterey Breakwater Docks, Monterey Co., CA; 7 May 2009; 13mm total length. |
Description: Ground color pale greyish, with longitudinal black lines of various widths on dorsum and sides. Oblong spots of yellowish-orange occur everywhere between the back lines, which may branch somewhat. Frontal veil bears 4-8 tapered, pointed processes which are orange-yellow medially. Rhinophores bear 8-12 lamellae, and are translucent greyish-white, with a slightly dusky gray hue, each bear a subterminal band of orange-yellow on clavus, and a large triangular spot of like color on in inner surface of shaft near base. Branchial plumes 7-11, unipinnate, dusky greyish, each with an orange spot distally on outer face, a larger spot proximally, and a pale orange spot at base of inner face. There are usually 2-4 extra-branchial appendages which are yellow-orange with greyish-white tips. |
Monterey Breakwater Docks, Monterey Co., CA; 7 May 2009; 12mm total length. |
Monterey Breakwater Docks, Monterey Co., CA; 7 May 2009; 17mm total length. |
Monterey Breakwater Docks, Monterey Co., CA; 7 May 2009; 13mm total length. |