Armine Tachetée

Overview

Armina maculata is a distinctive, large nudibranch known for its nocturnal habits and specialized behavior of burrowing into soft sediments during the day. It is primarily found in the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the eastern Atlantic, where it remains hidden beneath the sand to avoid predators.

Appearance

This species features an elongated, yellow-to-orange body that tapers toward the tail. Its dorsal surface is covered in numerous small, white, conical or spherical tubercles, which are typically less dense in the center of the mantle. The front of the mantle forms a protective fold around the rhinophores, which are short, retractable, and striated. A thin white line often edges the mantle, contrasting with the vibrant body color.

Distribution & habitat

Armina maculata is primarily distributed throughout the Mediterranean Sea and along the eastern Atlantic coast, including Portugal, Morocco, and Angola. It favors soft-bottom environments such as sandy or muddy seafloors, where it can easily bury itself using its specialized head shield.

Biology & behavior

As a nocturnal species, it emerges from the sediment at night to roam the seafloor. Like other nudibranchs, it is a simultaneous hermaphrodite. It reproduces by laying a spiral-shaped egg mass containing thousands of eggs, which eventually hatch into veliger larvae.

Feeding

This nudibranch is a specialized predator that feeds on pennatulaceans, commonly known as sea pens, such as Veretillum cynomorium. It uses its specialized feeding apparatus to consume these organisms while moving across the sediment at night.