Dorid Day

Two nudibranchs (sea slugs) from the low rocky intertidal zone on Bodega Head, photographed 8 May 2012.

Limacia cockerelli

 

This individual was ~2 cm long.  Note the darker orange-tipped rhinophores (chemosensory tentacles) on the head and the branched white gill plume at the posterior end (below).

 

Limacia cockerelli feeds exclusively on the bryozoan Hincksina velata.

Cadlina luteomarginata

This specimen was ~3 cm long.  Note the narrow yellow border along the edge of the mantle and the foot (trailing behind) and the numerous yellow-capped papillae.  The rhinophores and gill plume are gray/white in this individual.

 

 Cadlina luteomarginata feeds on a variety of sponges, but apparently prefers Aplysilla glacialis. 

P.S.  Both of these species are members of the Superfamily Doridoidea, often shortened to "dorid."  Dorid is derived from Doris, a sea nymph in Greek mythology.