Nanaimo dorid, red-gilled dorid, wine-plumed spiny dorid • Acanthodoris nanaimoensis
A nanaimo dorid photographed by Angeleen Olson.
Identification
The Nanaimo dorid can be easily distinguished by its dark red-tipped rhinophores and gill plume. The amount of red varies, but regardless it contrasts strongly against the nudibranch's white or greyish-white body — though occasionally individuals, particularly larger ones, may be darker brownish or greyish. This nudibranch's long papillae, which give it a furry appearance, are tipped with light yellow, and its oval-shaped body is lined with a light yellow margin. This species reaches 4 cm long, though it is usually smaller. This species' white or cream-coloured egg ribbon, laid in whorls, have a foamy appearance.
Habitat & Range
The Nanaimo dorid inhabits rocky areas in the intertidal and shallow subtidal, recorded to 25 m deep. Its range extends from central Alaska to Santa Barbara, California.
Similar Species
There are quite a few similar white or whitish dorid nudibranchs, but none have the distinctive red-tipped gills and rhinophores. The closest lookalike is Hudson's dorid (Acanthodoris hudsoni), which has the same long, yellow-tipped papillae and yellow foot margin but lacks the red colouring.
Intriguing Info
One source reports that this species can give off a scent like cedar or sandalwood when handled. It feeds on bryozoans, such as Alcyonidium spp., as well as compound ascidians.
The Nanaimo dorid can be easily distinguished by its dark red-tipped rhinophores and gill plume. The amount of red varies, but regardless it contrasts strongly against the nudibranch's white or greyish-white body — though occasionally individuals, particularly larger ones, may be darker brownish or greyish. This nudibranch's long papillae, which give it a furry appearance, are tipped with light yellow, and its oval-shaped body is lined with a light yellow margin. This species reaches 4 cm long, though it is usually smaller. This species' white or cream-coloured egg ribbon, laid in whorls, have a foamy appearance.
Habitat & Range
The Nanaimo dorid inhabits rocky areas in the intertidal and shallow subtidal, recorded to 25 m deep. Its range extends from central Alaska to Santa Barbara, California.
Similar Species
There are quite a few similar white or whitish dorid nudibranchs, but none have the distinctive red-tipped gills and rhinophores. The closest lookalike is Hudson's dorid (Acanthodoris hudsoni), which has the same long, yellow-tipped papillae and yellow foot margin but lacks the red colouring.
Intriguing Info
One source reports that this species can give off a scent like cedar or sandalwood when handled. It feeds on bryozoans, such as Alcyonidium spp., as well as compound ascidians.
References
Cowles, D. (2007). Acanthodoris nanaimoensis O'Donoghue, 1921. Invertebrates of the Salish Sea. Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory. Accessed 01/04/2016.
Harbo, R. M. (1999). Whelks to whales: Coastal marine life of the Pacific Northwest. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. P. 114.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
McDonald, G. Acanthodoris nanaimoensis O'Donoghue, 1921. Intertidal Invertebrates of the Monterey Bay Area, California. Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz. Accessed 01/04/2016.
Authors and editors
Kelly Fretwell (2016).
Cowles, D. (2007). Acanthodoris nanaimoensis O'Donoghue, 1921. Invertebrates of the Salish Sea. Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory. Accessed 01/04/2016.
Harbo, R. M. (1999). Whelks to whales: Coastal marine life of the Pacific Northwest. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. P. 114.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
McDonald, G. Acanthodoris nanaimoensis O'Donoghue, 1921. Intertidal Invertebrates of the Monterey Bay Area, California. Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz. Accessed 01/04/2016.
Authors and editors
Kelly Fretwell (2016).
