(No common name)

ORDER

Nudibranchia

FAMILY

Aeolidiidae

TAXONOMY

Aeolidiella sanguinea (Norman, 1877).

OTHER COMMON NAMES

None known.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

An elongate body that is covered in cerata, thin, fleshy projections that arise in regular rows from the digestive tract. Long oral tentacles and prominent rhinophores are present on the head. The body, cerata, and tentacles are pale yellow, orange, or red in color, depending on the individual's diet. The sole of the foot and tips of the cerata are white.

DISTRIBUTION

Atlantic coasts of Ireland, France, and Scotland.

HABITAT

Found in the intertidal zone and sublittoral areas; often in muddy inlets or on rocky coasts.

BEHAVIOR

Has been described as slow and aggressive. Is more active at night than during the day.

FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET

Feeds on sea anemones. Predators have not been reported.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Mating behavior has not been described. Eggs are laid in a spiral thread with scalloped sections.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Rare, but not considered threatened. Not listed by the IUCN.

SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS

None known.