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Purple doris (Felimida purpurea)

Photo of Purple doris (Felimida purpurea)

Key facts

Scientific name
Felimida purpurea
Common name
Purple doris
Category
Molluscs
Family
Chromodorididae
Genus
Felimida
Size
3–6 cm
Depth
3–40 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
rocky, reef
Behaviours
solitary, slow
Ocean zones
East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Felimida purpurea reaches 6 cm. Elongated dark-purple to deep-violet body edged with a fine white line, cream-white gill plume and rhinophores. Feeds on colored sponges. Lives on Mediterranean coralligenous walls between 3 and 40 m. More discreet than other Chromodoridae due to its uniform dark color, takes some searching. Appreciated macro subject.

Photo of Purple doris

Photo of Purple doris (Felimida purpurea)Photo of Purple doris (Felimida purpurea)

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Purple doris?
Purple doris (Felimida purpurea) reaches 3–6 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Purple doris?
Purple doris is found between 3–40 m deep.
Is the Purple doris dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Purple doris?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Purple doris?
Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the genus Felimida

  • Felimida luteorosea - Rose-and-gold doris

Other species in the family Chromodorididae

  • Chromodoris magnifica - Magnificent chromodoris
  • Hypselodoris picta - Painted hypselodoris
  • Risbecia tryoni - Tryon's risbecia
  • Goniobranchus geometricus - Geometric goniobranchus
  • Goniobranchus reticulatus - Reticulated goniobranchus
  • Goniobranchus kuniei - Kunie's goniobranchus

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 597409)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 6519456)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia