Striped Nudibranch from California

October 29, 2002
From: Natasha Hopkins

Hello, my name is Natasha and I have fairly thoroughly explored the site and am having trouble finding the species, Pleurophyllidia californica, where they live, what they eat and what eats them. I'm in the state of Washington by the Puget Sound. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Natasha Hopkins

nummaone4sho@excite.com

Hopkins, N., 2002 (Oct 29) Striped Nudibranch from California. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/8297

Dear Natasha,
Unfortunately this nudibranch, which is now called Armina californica, isn't on the Forum as yet. Perhaps some kind person will send us a photo so the next person who looks for it won't be disappointed. In Dave Behrens' book Pacific Coast Nudibranchs he says that it is found from the Gulf of Alaska south to Panama, and grows to a length of 70mm.

Like most species of Armina, it lives in sand or muddy regions and feeds on sea pens, in particular Ptilosarcus gurneyi and Renilla koellikeri. It spends the day burrowing only coming to the surface to feed at night. I have read an interesting article on the spectacular light show it causes when it is feeding, as the sea pen Renilla koellikeri produces luminescent flashes every time it is bitten. I will try and find a reference for you.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (Oct 29). Comment on Striped Nudibranch from California by Natasha Hopkins. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/8297

Factsheet

Armina californica

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