Acanthodoris species in California

September 6, 2006
From: Kevin Lee


Hi Doc,

The past month seems to belong to the genus Acanthodoris, at La Jolla Shores, California. In several years of diving, I've not seen a single one, but in the span of a few weeks, I've bumped into three. In order, I believe they are:
Acanthodoris rhodoceras,
Acanthodoris lutea, and
Acanthodoris hudsoni.
Your confirmation would be appreciated.

Locality: La Jolla Shores Canyons (North and Main), 35fsw, 70fsw, 30fsw respectively, California, USA, Eastern Pacific, 27 July 2006; 24 August 2006; 27 August 2006, Sandy bottom. Length: approx. 2 cm each. Photographer: Kevin Lee.

Thanks and best wishes,

K:-)

diverkevin@gmail.com

Kevin Lee, 2006 (Sep 6) Acanthodoris species in California. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/17690

Hi Kevin,

Yes - you are correct on all three ID's in the order you gave them.  It is interesting to see such diversity in a single genus at one time.  I am also aware that Acanthodoris brunnea has been observed from La Jolla Shores recently (see the Slug Site next week for a recap).  Since Acanthodorids feed on bryozoans, as clearly shown in your top photo, this food resource must be quite plentiful to support such diversity.

Best wishes,
Dave Behrens

Rudman, W.B., 2006 (Sep 6). Comment on Acanthodoris species in California by Kevin Lee. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/17690

Factsheet

Acanthodoris rhodoceras

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