Dalmatian Doris

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The dotted sea slug (Discodoris atromaculata) has irregular dark brown spots on a white body. The spots are often larger near the centre. The body is oval but becomes almost round at rest.

The back has a grainy appearance. The rhinophores, two upright projections at the front, and the gills, the feathery rear tuft, are white. When these are retracted, the patterned body retains its compact outline.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives on rocky seabeds, often directly associated with the sponges. It is found both in shaded areas such as caves and overhangs and on exposed rocks, generally between 5 and 70 metres deep.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The spotted sea slug feeds mainly on sponges, particularly the stone sponge, on which it is often found. It can also consume other sponge species. It moves slowly over their surface and removes small portions of tissue with its radula, a ribbon bearing tiny teeth inside its mouth. It therefore feeds directly on the sponges with which it is associated.