The white-spotted nudibranch (Doriopsilla capensis) is a species of sea slug, a dorid nudibranch. It is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Dendrodorididae.
| White-spotted nudibranch | |
|---|---|
| |
| A live individual of Doriopsilla capensis, head end towards the lower left. | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Heterobranchia |
| Order: | Nudibranchia |
| Suborder: | Doridina |
| Superfamily: | Phyllidioidea |
| Family: | Dendrodorididae |
| Genus: | Doriopsilla |
| Species: | D. capensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Doriopsilla capensis (Bergh, 1907)
| |
Distribution
editThis species has so far only been found around the southern African coast off the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula in 10–30 m. It is probably endemic.[1]
Description
editThe white-spotted nudibranch has a translucent white- to tan-coloured body, which may have a bluish tinge. The body is covered with white protuberances. The margin is opaque white. The perfoliate rhinophores are cream-coloured as is the gill rosette. It may reach a total length of 30 mm.[2]
Ecology
editThis species has been found among sponges.
References
edit
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Doriopsilla capensis.
- ^ GOSLINER, T.M. 1987. Nudibranchs of Southern Africa ISBN 0-930118-13-8
- ^ ZSILAVECZ, G. 2007. Nudibranchs of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay. ISBN 0-620-38054-3