The Wine-plumed Spiny Doris, Rufous-tipped Nudibranch, Red-Gilled Dorid, Nanaimo Dorid, scientifically known as Acanthodoris nanaimoensis, is a captivating species of sea slug belonging to the family Onchidorididae. This captivating nudibranch exhibits a striking array of characteristics that make it a fascinating subject of study for marine biologists and enthusiasts alike.
Description & Characteristics
Acanthodoris nanaimoensis is a relatively small nudibranch, reaching a maximum size of approximately 25 mm in length. Its body is typically oval-shaped and exhibits a striking combination of vibrant colors. The dorsal surface of the animal is adorned with a distinctive wine-red hue, while the mantle, or outer covering, is studded with numerous white, conical tubercles. The rhinophores, or sensory organs, are also prominent, displaying a vibrant red color and a distinctly feathery appearance. The gills, located on the posterior end of the body, are a striking red color, contributing to the common name “Red-Gilled Dorid.” The tip of the animal’s tail is often tinged with a rufous, or reddish-brown, hue, hence the name “Rufous-tipped Nudibranch.”
Habitat and Occurrence
The Wine-plumed Spiny Doris, Rufous-tipped Nudibranch, Red-Gilled Dorid, Nanaimo Dorid, Acanthodoris nanaimoensis, is a common inhabitant of the intertidal zone and shallow subtidal areas of the Pacific coast of North America. It is particularly prevalent in rocky and kelp forest habitats, where it finds ample food sources and suitable shelter. This nudibranch prefers depths ranging from the intertidal zone to depths of approximately 10 meters. The species’ distribution extends from Alaska in the north to California in the south, encompassing a broad range of marine zones including the Nearctic realm, the Aleutian Islands, and the Gulf of Alaska.
Taxonomy
The species Acanthodoris nanaimoensis belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Nudibranchia, and Family: Onchidorididae. This classification reflects its evolutionary lineage and shared characteristics with other nudibranchs. Its membership within the Onchidorididae family signifies its distinct anatomical features and ecological adaptations.
Feeding
The Wine-plumed Spiny Doris, Rufous-tipped Nudibranch, Red-Gilled Dorid, Nanaimo Dorid, Acanthodoris nanaimoensis, is a specialized predator, focusing its diet on a specific prey item: bryozoans, commonly known as sea mats. These small, colonial animals are an abundant food source in the intertidal and subtidal environments that this nudibranch inhabits. Acanthodoris nanaimoensis, like many other nudibranch species, is a food specialist, relying on a single or very limited number of food sources. This specialization allows it to thrive in its specific habitat and niche.
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