Mediterranean Violet Aeolid
Flabellina affinis
Max Size
See in AppMax Weight
—
Max Depth
50 m
Description
The species can grow to a length of 50 mm. Cerata are white-tipped, though for some specimens they're barely visible. Below their white tips is an opaque-ish violet ring. Below that, transparent with orange inside. Sometimes the cerata are clumped together; sometimes they appear separately and in nice rows. It has the pair of long, ridged (annulate) tentacles are rhinophores. The long tentacles below the rhinophores are the oral tentacles; below that, the propodial tentacles.
Flabellina affinis is often confused with Flabellina ischitana, but can be distinguished as follows:
- Flabellina affinis: the outer part of the digestive gland in each ceras is not visible as the area beneath the subapical white ring is opaque violet in colour.
- Flabellina ischitana: the ceratal surface has no purple-violet colouration and is translucent.
Distribution
This species is found in depths to 50 m in European waters in the Atlantic Ocean from Portugal to Ghana and the Canaries and is widespread in the Mediterranean Sea.
Habitat
It feeds primarily on species of Eudendrium, a very common hydroid genus in the Mediterranean Sea.
Colors
Similar Species
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mediterranean Violet Aeolid dangerous?
Mediterranean Violet Aeolid has no known danger to humans. However, always observe marine life responsibly.
Where can you find Mediterranean Violet Aeolid?
How deep does Mediterranean Violet Aeolid live?
Mediterranean Violet Aeolid can be found at depths of up to 50 meters.