Polycera faeroensis

Description

The body of this nudibranch is translucent white with yellow processes and a yellow line along the ridge of the tail. The oral veil has eight or more yellow projections. The gills and rhinophores are translucent white, tipped with yellow. Alongside the gills the pallial margin is expanded and gives rise to a pair or a series of yellow-tipped projections. Some individuals have yellow spots or lines on the body. The animal may reach 30 mm in total length. It is distinguished from Polycera quadrilineata in having more than six processes on the oral veil and a more squat body shape.

Distribution

This nudibranch is described originally from Faeroe Islands. In the northeast Atlantic it is a common species in shallow water as far south as Portugal.

Ecology

Polycera faeroensis feeds mostly on bryozoans of the family Crisiidae.