Synonyms Coryphella browni. Flabellina browni
Body (excluding appendages)
Usually up to 30mm, exceptionally 50mm, long. Semi-transparent white, revealing opaque white ovotestis and viscera [2]. Anus below second group of cerata [6]. Small white opaque marks form an interrupted medial line from the rear cerata to tip of the tail [1].
Cerata
Not dense enough to conceal the body. Arranged in groups on each side of the body. Arise from a slightly raised ridge, visible in lateral view [2]. Transparent white revealing bright red to dark brown internal digestive gland. Wide band of white surface pigment at distal end [4].
Rhinophores
Wrinkled [1]. Translucent white streaked with white surface pigment distally.
Head & oral tentacles
Translucent white oral tentacles with white surface pigment distally [7].
Foot
Sickle blade shaped propodial tentacles [5]. Semi-transparent white sole.
Key identification features
- Excluding appendages, the only surface pigment on the body is the interrupted white medial line from the rear cerata to tip of the tail.
- Broad white ring on cerata distally, but no pigment on apex [4].
Similar species
- Coryphella lineata (Lovén, 1846) - White lines run along dorsum and sides of body, and the full lengths of the rhinophores and oral tentacles.
- Coryphella gracilis (Alder & Hancock, 1844) - Distal white ring on cerata narrower than on C. browni. Maximum size 15 mm.
- Coryphella verrucosa (M. Sars, 1829) - Interrupted white dorsal line on body becomes continuous on tail. Distal white ring on cerata narrower than on C. browni.
- Flabellina pellucida (Alder & Hancock, 1843) - White pigment covers distal end, including apex, of cerata.
Ecology and behaviour
Distribution and status
Iceland to Atlantic France (GBIF map). Common around Ireland and Britain where Tubularia occurs, but less common in North Sea (interactive UK distribution map). May extend further, but late recognition of species makes re-examination of Iberian and Western Mediterranean specimens necessary.
References and links
Alder, J. & Hancock, A. 1845-1855. A monograph of the British nudibranchiate mollusca. London, Ray Society.
Thompson, T.E. & Brown, G.H. 1976. British opisthobranch molluscs. London, Linnean Society & Academic Press.
Thompson, T.E. & Brown, G.H. 1984. Biology of opisthobranch molluscs 2. London, Ray Society.
Current taxonomy:
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
Irish distribution and prey organisms:
Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C., 2010. Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland (EML)