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Coryphella browni Picton, 1980

Author & date of last revision: Ian Smith on 5 August 2012
Coryphella verrucosa verrucosa Thompson & Brown, 1976; Flabellina browni (Picton, 1980); NOT Eolidia verrucosa M.Sars, 1829;

Description

Synonym Flabellina browni Picton, 1980 (Accepted by WoRMS)
 
Body (excluding appendages)
Usually up to 30mm, exceptionally 50mm, long. Semi-transparent white, revealing opaque white ovotestis and viscera [2]. Anus below second group of cerata [6]. Small white opaque marks form an interrupted medial line from the rear cerata to tip of the tail [1].
Cerata
Not dense enough to conceal the body. Arranged in groups on each side of the body. Arise from a slightly raised ridge, visible in lateral view [2]. Transparent white revealing bright red to dark brown internal digestive gland. Wide band of white surface pigment at distal end [4].
Rhinophores
Wrinkled [1]. Translucent white streaked with white surface pigment distally.
Head & oral tentacles
Translucent white oral tentacles with white surface pigment distally [7].
Foot
Sickle blade shaped propodial tentacles [5]. Semi-transparent white sole.

Key identification features

  • Excluding appendages, the only surface pigment on the body is the interrupted white medial line from the rear cerata to tip of the tail.
  • Broad white ring on cerata distally, but no pigment on apex [4].

Similar species

  • Coryphella lineata (Lovén, 1846) - White lines run along dorsum and sides of body, and the full lengths of the rhinophores and oral tentacles.
  • Coryphella gracilis (Alder & Hancock, 1844) - Distal white ring on cerata narrower than on C. browni. Maximum size 15 mm. 
  • Coryphella verrucosa (M. Sars, 1829) - Interrupted white dorsal line on body becomes continuous on tail. Distal white ring on cerata narrower than on C. browni.
  • Flabellina pellucida (Alder & Hancock, 1843) - White pigment covers distal end, including apex, of cerata.

Ecology and behaviour

Offshore and LWS rocky shores where strong currents favour its prey; Tubularia indivisa (EML) and, sometimes, Corymorpha nutans (EML) or Eudendrium (EML).

Distribution and status

Iceland to Atlantic France  (GBIF map). Common around Ireland and Britain  where Tubularia occurs, but less common in North Sea (interactive UK distribution map). May extend further, but late recognition of species makes re-examination of Iberian and Western Mediterranean specimens necessary.

References and links

Alder, J. & Hancock, A. 1845-1855. A monograph of the British nudibranchiate mollusca. London, Ray Society.

Thompson, T.E. & Brown, G.H. 1976. British opisthobranch molluscs. London, Linnean Society & Academic Press.
 
Thompson, T.E. & Brown, G.H. 1984. Biology of opisthobranch molluscs 2. London, Ray Society.
 
Current taxonomy:
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
 
Irish distribution and prey organisms:
Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C., 2010. Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland  (EML)

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Coryphella browni. Length 35mm. Cerata rise from raised ridge of white flesh. Opaque white ovotestis in posterior half. Brown hind gut leads to anus on right flank. On rocky shore exposed to strong currents, LWS, Menai Strait, Wales. February 2011.
Image ©

I.F. Smith
Coryphella browni. Length 35mm. White pigment distally on smooth oral tentacles and wrinkled rhinophores. LWS. Menai Strait, Wales. February 2011.
Image ©

I.F. Smith

Additional images

  • Coryphella browni. Length 35mm. Wrinkled rhinophores. White broken medial line on metapodium (tail) reduced to a few flecks at tip on this specimen. On rocky shore exposed to strong currents, LWS, Menai Strait, Wales. February 2011.
  • Coryphella browni. Length 35mm. Sickle-shape propodial tentacles on foot, smooth oral tentacles with rounded mouth at base, and wrinkled rhinophores. Expanded genital pores behind right propodial tentacle. LWS. Menai Strait, Wales. February 2011.
  • Cerata of Coryphella browni. Whitish nematocists visible inside translucent cerata tips with opaque white band of surface pigment. LWS, Menai Strait, Wales. February 2011.
  • Coryphella browni. Anus beneath 2nd ceratal group; same position as on C. verrucosa & C. lineata. Between 1st and 2nd ceratal groups on C. gracilis, C. pedata & C. pellucida . Rocky shore, strong currents, LWS, Menai Strait, Wales. February 2011.

GALLERY of larger images of this species.
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Recorded UK distribution