110 — Sea slug, Alloiodoris lanuginata

Alloiodoris lanuginata, Warrior Rocks,
 Mt. Maunganui, 2017.

Alloiodoris lanuginata, with coil of eggs,
Warrior Rocks, Mt. Maunganui, 2017.

The sea slug Alloiodoris lanuginata (Abraham, 1877) is another species for which there is no common name. It's endemic to New Zealand's North Island and not particularly common. They are quite coarse to the touch and feel like they are covered in fine sand paper. This coarseness comes from fine spicules contained within tiny tubercles, which cover the dorsal surface of the sea slug.

Ecologically they prefer clean, but sheltered waters and are thought to feed on sponges. But, it's not known which species of sponge they prefer.

This one was found between boulders, on Warrior Rocks, at the base of Mt. Maunganui. It had just laid a coil of eggs. It's overall size was about 80mm, which is about as large as they get.

If I see another one I hope to get better pictures.





More info:

Sea Slug Forum: Alloiodoris lanuginata

Willan, R. C.,& Morton, J. E. (1984). Marine Molluscs part II - Opisthobranchia, pp. 1–106. University of Auckland, Leigh Marine Laboratory.