This species is identifiable by its white body and long finger like growths along its body which are called cerata. These cerata can be either red, red-brown, yellow, or orange colouring (occasionally green) and the colour can vary because it is the digestive glands! The occasional green colouration of the digestive gland in the cerata may be due to starvation. The cerata have white opaque tips. This species has numerous characteristic, longitudinal white lines on the body, oral tentacles and rhinophores (their taste receptors).

Behaviour

This species feeds on hydroids

Size

2-3 cm length

Status

Common.

Distribution

More commonly seen around the west coast of Scotland, but have been found in Orkney, Moray Firth and Berwickshire.

When to see

All year around.

Facts

• Sea slugs are also known as nudibranchs – with the word originating from the latin ‘nudi-‘ for naked and the greek ‘brankhia-‘ meaning gills.