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Coryphella browni Picton, 1980

Author: Ian Smith on 9 March 2011
Coryphella verrucosa verrucosa Thompson & Brown, 1976; Flabellina browni (Picton, 1980); NOT Eolidia verrucosa M.Sars, 1829;

Description

Body (excluding appendages)
Usually up to 30mm, exceptionally 50mm, long. Semi-transparent white, revealing opaque white ovotestis and viscera. Anus below second group of cerata. Small white opaque marks form an interrupted medial line from the rear cerata to tip of the tail.
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. Transparent white revealing bright red to dark brown internal digestive gland. Wide band of white surface pigment at distal end.
Rhinophores
Wrinkled. Translucent white streaked with white surface pigment distally.
Head & oral tentacles
Translucent white oral tentacles with white surface pigment distally.
Foot
Sickle blade shaped propodial tentacles. Semi-transparent white sole.

Key identification features

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

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

Distribution and status

Iceland to Atlantic France. Common around Ireland and Britain  where Tubularia occurs, but less common in North Sea. 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:
 
Irish distribution and prey organisms:
Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C., 2010. Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland 
Lateral view of Coryphella browni. Length 35mm. Cerata rise from a raised ridge of white flesh. On rocky shore exposed to strong currents, LWS, Menai Strait, Wales. February 2011.
Image ©

I.F. Smith
Dorsal view of Coryphella browni. Length 35mm. On rocky shore exposed to strong currents, LWS, Menai Strait, Wales. February 2011.
Image ©

I.F. Smith

Additional images

  • Oblique view of Coryphella browni. Length 35mm. On rocky shore exposed to strong currents, LWS, Menai Strait, Wales. February 2011.
  • C. browni. Sickle shape propodial tentacles on foot. Expanded genital mass near anterior of right side (left of image). Length 35mm. Rocky shore with strong currents. LWS, Menai Strait, Wales. February 2011.
  • Cerata of Coryphella browni. Body length 35mm. On rocky shore exposed to strong currents, LWS, Menai Strait, Wales. February 2011.
  • C. 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.

All images copyright of the photographer - see "View image details".

Recorded UK distribution