Dondice occidentalis (H. Engel, 1925)

Description

A slender aeolid about 3 cm long. The translucent grey body bears a single yellow-to-orange (sometimes reddish) line running from the head to the tail, bordered on each side by a white band. The rhinophores are annulate (ringed), and the oral tentacles are longer than the rhinophores. Orange-tinged cerata are arranged in clusters along the back, and the animal may cast off its cerata when disturbed.

Distribution

Widespread in the western Atlantic and Caribbean, from Florida, USA, and the Gulf of Mexico through the Caribbean islands and Central America to northern South America (as far as Brazil). It occurs from near the surface to about 26 m depth. The species was originally described from Jamaica.

Etymology

The specific epithet occidentalis is Latin for “western,” after its distribution in the western Atlantic — the West Indies.

Remarks

A hydroid feeder, preying on hydroids such as Eudendrium.

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References

• Caloria occidentalis n.sp., Engel H. (1925). Westindische opisthobranchiate Mollusken. Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde. 24: 33-80.