Intertidal Invertebrates of the Monterey Bay Area, California
Compiled & photographed by Gary McDonald, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz
Pigeon Pt., San Mateo Co., CA; 5 July 2008; ~3cm. Introvert extended.
Description: The body is pale sepia or tan to dark brown, often with brown to purplish spots. Skin has rough texture due to conical papillae. Introvert with irregular brown bands, and with up to 24 filiform tentacles at end.
Size: Typically 5-7cm in length (but may reach 12cm), about half of which is the introvert.
Notes: Lives in cracks and crevices in rocks, under rocks, amongst roots of surfgrass, under mussel beds, & other protected places.
Pigeon Pt., San Mateo Co., CA; 5 July 2008; ~3cm. Introvert retracted.
Pigeon Pt., San Mateo Co., CA; 5 July 2008; ~3cm. Close-up of tip of introvert, showing brown bands & filiform tentacles.