Sea lemon (Archidoris pseudoargus)
Facts
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Mollusca |
| Class | Gastropoda |
| Order | Nudibranchia |
| Family | Archidorididae |
| Genus | Archidoris (1) |
| Size |
Length: up to 12 cm (2) |
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Status
Common and widespread (2).
Description
The sea lemon, Archidoris pseudoargus (also known as Archidoris tuberculata in much of Europe) (3) is a common sea slug around Britain (4). It has an oval shaped body (2) and varies greatly in colour. Yellow, pink, green, white and brown forms are known, and there is also a brilliant red variety known as Archidoris pseudoargus var. flammea (4). It is usually mottled to a degree, which may act as camouflage (4). The upper surface of the sea lemon is covered in bumps called 'tubercles', and a ring of 8-9 retractable feathery gills is located towards the rear (2). This species may be confused with the similar Geitodoris planata, which can be identified by the presence of brown spots on the underside, and star-like spots on the upper surface (4).
Range
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Habitat
Occurs on the lower shore underneath large rocks, and extends offshore to depths of around 300m (2).
Biology
The sea lemon feeds mainly on the bread-crumb sponge Halichondria panicea and other sponges (4). It is hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female organs. Breeding occurs in the spring (5); thousands of eggs are produced in a long mass, which is attached to rocks and looks like a coiled whitish or yellowish ribbon (5).
The larvae are free-swimming, and hatch after around four weeks. This pelagic stage lasts for around three months; larvae then undergo metamorphosis and become adults. It is thought that metamorphosis is triggered by the larva coming into contact with Halichondria sponges (5). Individuals are known to have lived to around 1 year of age, although they may live longer (5).
Threats
Not currently threatened (2).
Conservation
Conservation action has not been targeted at this species.
Further Information
For more on this species, and other British sea slugs see Nudibranchs of the British Isles:
http://www.pictonb.freeserve.co.uk/nudibranchs/
For more on sea slugs see Sea Slug Forum:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/
Authentication
This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk
Hermaphroditic: Possessing both male and female sex organs.
Larvae: Stage in an animal's lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.
Metamorphosis: An abrupt physical change from the larval to the adult form.
Pelagic: Inhabits the open oceans.
References
- National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (January, 2003)
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/ - Ager, O. E. D. 2002. Archidoris pseudoargus. Sea lemon. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth:Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. (November, 2002)
http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Archidorispseudoargus.htm - Sea Slug Forum. Rudman, W. B., 2001. Archidoris pseudoarus (Rapp, 1827) (November, 2002)
http://www.seaslugforum.net/archpseu.htm - Nudibranchs of the British Isles (November, 2002)
http://www.pictonb.freeserve.co.uk/nudibranchs/arcpse.html - Fish, J.D. and Fish, S. (1996) A student's guide to the seashore. Second Edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
