Doris Tacheté Mauve

Overview

Felimida luteorosea is a vibrant, colorful nudibranch belonging to the family Chromodorididae. Often referred to as the "Doris tacheté mauve" in French, this sea slug is easily recognized by its striking purple and yellow coloration.

Appearance

This nudibranch typically reaches a maximum length of 55 mm. Its mantle is a distinct purplish-pink, adorned with large, irregularly distributed yellow spots that are often encircled by a lighter ring. The entire mantle is bordered by a bright yellow line. Both its annulated rhinophores and the gill plume, which consists of nine simple branches, are purplish in color.

Distribution & habitat

Felimida luteorosea is found in the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including the coasts of Portugal, Spain, and North Africa. It inhabits the sublittoral zone, commonly residing on rocky substrates, among algae, and on illuminated walls in coralligenous environments at depths ranging from approximately 5 to 60 meters.

Feeding

This species is a specialized carnivore that feeds exclusively on sponges. It has been observed grazing on specific sponge species, including Aplysilla rosea and Spongionella pulchella.