Flabellina affinis
Mediterranean violet aeolid
Israel · Mediterranean
- Size
- 50 mm
- Depth
- to 50 m
- Native range
- Mediterranean (including the Israeli coast) and the eastern Atlantic from Portugal to the Canary Islands and Ghana
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Description
One of the most commonly seen aeolids in the Mediterranean, a vivid purple species often found in groups on its hydroid prey. It was long confused with the very similar Flabellina ischitana.
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Identification
Bright violet to purple body. Dense clusters of cerata arise from raised stalks; each ceras has an opaque violet zone below the white tip that hides the digestive gland. Rhinophores purple with rings (annulate); oral tentacles long and purple.
Similar species
Flabellina ischitana has translucent cerata without the opaque violet band below the white tip; Edmundsella pedata has smooth rhinophores and cerata attached directly to the body.
Habitat & diet
Habitat
Rocky reefs among hydroid colonies, down to about 50 m.
Food
Hydroids of the genus Eudendrium.