Armina californica
A nudibranch with separated rhinophores and distinctive tooth denticles.
Armina californica is a marine gastropod mollusk, specifically a nudibranch sea slug, belonging to the family Arminidae. Its range spans the Eastern Pacific Ocean, from Vancouver Island down to Panama, and it is often found on soft-bottom seafloors at depths between 1 and 230 meters. The species displays longitudinal ridges that can be light pink, cream, or brown. It can be distinguished from larger members of the genus *Armina* by its separated rhinophores, rachidian teeth bearing 8 to 13 elongated denticles, and lateral teeth with 7 to 9 triangular denticles.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Armina californica
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Armina californica is characterized by longitudinal ridges of varying colors including light pink, cream, and brown. Features that differentiate it from larger Armina species are separated rhinophores, rachidian teeth with 8-13 elongated denticles, and lateral teeth with 7-9 triangular denticles. The species occurs in the Eastern Pacific Ocean from Vancouver Island to Panama, commonly found in soft-bottom habitats from 1 to 230 meters in depth.
Reader's Guide
Armina californica is a species of sea slug in the family Arminidae, notable for its occurrence in the Eastern Pacific Ocean from Vancouver Island to Panama. It inhabits soft-bottom habitats at depths of 1 to 230 meters. Its distinguishing characteristics include longitudinal ridges of light pink, cream, and brown, separated rhinophores, rachidian teeth with 8-13 elongated denticles, and lateral teeth with 7-9 triangular denticles. These features differentiate it from larger Armina species. The species is documented in taxonomic and phylogenetic studies of the genus Armina, including work by Baez et al. (2011) and Gosliner & Fahey (2011). Its presence across a broad geographic range and depth gradient highlights its ecological adaptability within soft-bottom marine environments.
More in Nudibranchs and Sea Slugs 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced