Doris ocelligera
<p><em>Doris ocelligera</em> (Bergh, 1881)</p>
Doris ocelligera
Under intertidal stones [28] (Croatia, tidal range, <1m) to about 25m in Mediterranean. Diet uncertain; in Croatia, probably early growth stages of various sponge species, including membranous canary-yellow sponge sometimes found adhering to underside of rocks with D. ocelligera [29]. Simultaneous hermaphrodite. Animals, 6mm and over, observed to breed June-October & January in Croatia [30]. Canary-yellow, not-waved, ribbon of spawn [31] attached by edge in a loose coil of less than one turn to about two and a half turns [32], diameter 3-8mm. Ribbon about 15 ova wide. Cornish specimens illustrated [33] found under stone in intertidal pool that does not dry out.
Features of specimens over 20mm long. No web image of D. verrucosa under 20mm length viewed, so uncertain if these features apply to those small enough to be confused with D. ocelligera.
- 1 Rhinophores concolorous with mantle, or nearly so (SSF). Sometimes flecked with pigment.
- 2 Tubercles, vary from very small to very large (SSF), clubbed with narrower base [Dv4].
- 3 Spawn, white wavy ribbon in spiral of about 5 turns, (SSF). Diameter usually over 20mm.
- 4 Ground colour of mantle usually whitish (DORIS), yellow [Dv1], orange-brown [Dv2], light violet, greyish (DORIS) or pale flesh-colour, often with dorso-lateral bands of grey, brown or violet.
- 5 Adult length often 40mm, up to 70mm.
- 6 Tubercles smooth without protruding spicules, but adhering detritus may give rough appearance.
- 7 Tubercles may be darkened distally [Dv2], but rarely, if ever, fine black apical spot.
- 8 Two smooth large spatulate guard-tubercles on rim of rhinophore pit [Dv4].
- 9 Gill pit surrounded by collar carrying about one spatulate guard-tubercle per plume [Dv6].
- 10 Gills unipinnate.
- 11 No linear oral tentacles, but oral-lobe on each side of mouth. Lobe has cavity distally, but often difficult to discern.
Doris ocelligera, Mediterranean form.
- 1 Rhinophore lamellae pure white [3] to yellowish-white [16], distinctly different from mantle colour, markedly contrasting with frequent dull mantles.
- 2 Tubercles vary in size and shape [7], [8], [9], [10], but always widest at base.
- 3 Spawn, canary-yellow, not-waved, ribbon in loose coil of less than three turns [31], diameter usually under 10mm.
- 4 Large range of mantle colours: usually a dull or dark shade of brown, green or yellow [3], but occasionally bright yellow, bright orange-yellow [4], black-grey [5] or blue-grey [6].
- 5 Mature adults usually 6mm – 12mm long, extreme maximum 17mm.
- 6 Seen under magnification in good light, some spicules may protrude from tubercles [14].
- 7 Tubercles sometimes dark. Fine dark apical spot on tubercles on some specimens.
- 8 Two large spatulate guard-tubercles on rim of rhinophore pit [9].
- 9 Spatulate guard-tubercles at base of gill [24].
- 10 Gills unipinnate [10].
- 11 No linear oral tentacles, but very variable oral-lobe on each side of mouth [25]. Lobe has cavity distally, but often difficult to discern.
Current taxonomy: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
Bergh L. S. R., 1881. Malacologische Untersuchungen, in: Semper, C.G., 1887. Reisen im Archipel der Philippinen. pp 79-128. Wiesbaden, Germany. (Bergh’s original German description pp. 95-98 & plate H fig.11-21. Use slide at base of screen to find page.)
Koehler, E., Opisthobranchs of the Mediterranean Sea
Rudman, W.B., The Sea Slug Forum (SSF). Includes Mediterranean and Atlantic forms/species and confused max. length (see Body section above)
Schmekel, L. & Portmann, A., 1982. Opisthobranchia des Mittelmeeres. Berlin- Heidelberg.
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Body (excluding appendages)