Microchlamylla gracilis (Alder & Hancock, 1844)
Coryphella gracilis (Alder & Hancock, 1844)
Microchlamylla gracilis (Alder & Hancock, 1844)
Distribution and status
Iceland to Atlantic coast of France (GBIF map). Widespread around Ireland and Britain, sometimes locally common. Probably under recorded because of its small size and confusion with other Coryphella spp. (UK interactive distribution map).
Ecology and behaviour
Offshore and LWS sheltered rocky shores with strong currents, on or near its prey; Eudendrium spp. (EML), Halecium articulosum and Clytia johnstoni (hydroids). Simultaneous hermaphrodite. Spawn looped around prey, or on rock, when it is a spiral line [9], in mid April, May and possibly other months. Veliger larvae drift as plankton before transforming into the adults.
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.
Grows to 50mm long.
Coryphella browni, Picton, 1980
Distal white ring on cerata wider than on C. gracilis.
Maximum length usually 30 mm, sometimes 50mm.
Coryphella verrucosa (M. Sars, 1829)
Interrupted white dorsal line on body becomes continuous on tail.
Maximum length 35mm.
Flabellina pellucida (Alder & Hancock, 1843)
White pigment covers distal end, including apex, of cerata.
Maximum length 40mm.
Key identification features
- Excluding appendages, the only surface pigment on the body is the discontinuous white medial line from the rear cerata to tip of the tail [5].
- White subapical ring on cerata is narrow [7].
- Mature with visible white opaque ovotestis lobules when less than 10mm [7].
- Usually to 12 mm, maximum 15mm, long.
- Prominent notal ridge on each side, often with coloured longitudinal section of digestive gland visible below cerata [7].
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. 1984. Biology of opisthobranch molluscs 2. London, Ray Society.
Current taxonomy: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
Irish distribution map & prey organisms:
Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C., 2010. Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland (EML)
Taxon version key
[NBNSYS0000174720]
Sort order
5840
Taxonomic group
Marine slug
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