Dendronotus albopunctatus explained

Dendronotus albopunctatus is a species of sea slug, a dendronotid nudibranch, a shell-less marine gastropod mollusc in the family Dendronotidae.^[1]

Distribution

This species can be found on the Pacific Ocean coast of North America.^[2]

Description

Dendronotus albopunctatus is a large dendronotid nudibranch, growing to at least 60 mm in length. The body is translucent white with a red-brown hue on the back. There are opaque white spots on the sides and back of the body, velar processes and rhinophore sheaths. The body shape is similar to Dendronotus robustus, with a broad foot.

Feeding habits

This species feeds on hydroids.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Bouchet, P. (2015). Dendronotus albopunctatus. In: MolluscaBase (2015). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species on 2016-01-27.
2. Stout C.C., Pola M. & Valdés Á. (2010) Phylogenetic analysis of Dendronotus nudibranchs with emphasis on northeastern Pacific species. Journal of Molluscan Studies 76: 367-375. page(s): 373
3. Behrens, D. W., & Hermosillo, A. (2005) Eastern Pacific nudibranchs, a guide to the opisthobranchs from Alaska to Central America. vi + 137 pp., 314 photos. Sea Challengers, Monterey, California, page 93.