Pink Coryphella

Overview

The Pink Coryphella (Edmundsella pedata) is a striking aeolid nudibranch easily recognized by its vibrant pink-to-violet body coloration. While common across its range, this small sea slug is often found in low numbers, typically living solitary or in pairs.

Distribution & habitat

This species is widely distributed throughout the Northeastern Atlantic, ranging from the coast of Norway southward to the Canary Islands and the Azores. It is also found throughout the Mediterranean Sea. It prefers sublittoral rocky environments, including moderately exposed surfaces and shipwrecks, where it can find its preferred prey.

Appearance

This nudibranch features a slender, translucent body that can reach up to 50 mm in length, though Mediterranean individuals are often smaller. Its back is adorned with clusters of cerata, which often contain a reddish digestive gland visible through the skin. The cerata, along with the oral tentacles and rhinophores, are tipped with opaque white pigment. The rhinophores are cylindrical and smooth or slightly wrinkled, distinguishing them from the lamellate rhinophores found in similar-looking species.

Biology & behavior

As a simultaneous hermaphrodite, this species engages in mating behaviors typical of nudibranchs. It is frequently observed on or near its food source, where it deposits thin, white, spiral-shaped egg ribbons between May and September.

Feeding

Edmundsella pedata is a specialized predator that feeds primarily on hydroids of the genus Eudendrium. While adults are highly selective, juveniles may occasionally consume other hydroid species before specializing.