Duvaucelia lineata - Marine Life Encyclopedia

Duvaucelia lineata (Alder & Hancock, 1848)

Duvaucelia lineata

Description: Synonym: Tritonia lineata

The body of D. lineata is translucent white, but sometimes a pinkish hue is present. There are two white lines that run from the base of the rhinophores, down the back and unite at the base of the tail. The head bears 4 oral processes that are tipped with white pigment. There may be up to 6 pairs of arborescent gills on the back of the animal. Adults may reach 34mm in length.

Habitat: The diet of this nudibranch is unknown, however it is speculated that it feeds on small octocorals such as Sarcodictyon roseum. It is usually found in silty conditions on rocky surfaces. The spawn consists of a coiled thin ribbon of eggs.

Distribution: D. lineata has a wide distribution around the British Isles and from Norway to Brittany, but is rather localised in its occurrence. It is not uncommon around Skomer Island and Lundy, but rather scarce in Irish localities.

Key Identification Features:

Two white lines run down the back.
Four processes on the oral veil.

Distribution Map: NBN map : National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

WoRMS: Species record : World Register of Marine Species.

iNaturalist: Species account : iNaturalist World Species Observations database

Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C. (2016). Duvaucelia lineata (Alder & Hancock, 1848). [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland.
https://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=W12430 Accessed on 2024-10-07

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