Eubranchus vittatus (Alder & Hancock, 1842)

Eubranchus vittatus

Description: This nudibranch is greyish-white in colour with scattered patches of green or brown pigment. Each ceras has a white band towards its tip and 2-3 green or brown bands below this. The digestive gland is white and is visible through the ceratal epidermis. The rhinophores are smooth with white tips and a lower green or brown band. The larger individuals may grow to a length of approximately 20mm.

Habitat: Eubranchus vittatus feeds on the calyptoblastic hydroid Kirchenpaueria pinnata. The spawn consists of a flared, cup-like, circle of white ribbon with a basal pad attaching it to the hydroid stem.

Distribution: A frequent species in the north west of the British Isles but much scarcer in the south, although records extend to Torbay, Devon and Galicia, NW Spain.

Similar Species: This species is similar in appearance to Eubranchus doriae but has smooth, unswollen cerata with bands of dark pigment.

Key Identification Features:

• Cerata not swollen, in vertical rows.
• Cerata with dark bands, green pigment and white spots on body.

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