Facelina annulicornis (Chamisso & Eysenhardt, 1821)

Facelina annulicornis

Description: The body is translucent with scattered spots of white pigment. Around the mouth the skin has a rose coloured hue. The rhinophores are lamellate, both the rhinophoral and oral tentacles are tipped with white pigment. The digestive gland is visible through the ceratal epidermis, it may be brown, orange or green in colour. The adults can grow to 40mm in length.

Habitat: This uncommon species is known to feed on a variety of hydroids, and also to attack and devour other nudibranchs, especially Coryphella species.

Distribution: A southern species in the British Isles, with records extending northwards along the west coast of Ireland to Donegal Bay and Portrush, Co Antrim. Further distribution south to the Mediterranean.

Key Identification Features:

• Brown animal with regular white speckles all over body and cerata.
• Rhinophores with sloping lamellae.

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