Polycère Élégante

Overview

Polycera elegans is a striking, colorful nudibranch known for its vibrant appearance and distinct markings. This marine gastropod is primarily found in rocky environments across the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.

Appearance

The body of this sea slug is typically smooth and elongated, displaying a translucent orange base color covered in brilliant, iridescent blue spots. A defining feature is the presence of a white or bluish line that traces the mantle edge, extending from the rhinophores to the gills. The head is adorned with up to 22 small, finger-like papillae, and the gills are robust and feathery, often featuring fine, iridescent blue-green lines along their ribs.

Feeding

This species is a specialized carnivore that feeds primarily on erect bryozoans. It shows a strong preference for the genus Bugula, particularly the species Bugulina turbinata, though it has been observed consuming other related bryozoans as well.