Dalmatian doris (Discodoris atromaculata)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Discodoris atromaculata
- Common name
- Dalmatian doris
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Discodorididae
- Genus
- Discodoris
- Size
- 5–12 cm
- Depth
- 1–50 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, slow-mover
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Discodoris atromaculata reaches 12 cm. Large Mediterranean nudibranch with cream-white mantle covered with distinctive large black spots in dalmatian pattern (hence atromaculata, black-spotted), white pinnate gills, white rhinophores with black tips. Lives from 1 to 50 m on rocky bottoms and coralligenous of Mediterranean, exclusively associated with purple sponge Petrosia ficiformis (feeds on it). Iconic macro photo subject of Med dives, one of the most photographed Med nudibranchs for contrasting pattern.
Photo of Dalmatian doris
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Dalmatian doris?
- Dalmatian doris (Discodoris atromaculata) reaches 5–12 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Dalmatian doris?
- Dalmatian doris is found between 1–50 m deep.
- Is the Dalmatian doris dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Dalmatian doris?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Dalmatian doris?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Other species in the family Discodorididae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 139561)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4359931)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia