Lomanotus genei
Verany, 1846

Order: NUDIBRANCHIA
Suborder: DENDRONOTINA
Family: Lomanotidae

DISTRIBUTION

Europe from west coast of Scotland to the Mediterranean coast of France and Italy

PHOTO

East coast of Loch Linnhe, south of Eilean Balnagowan, Scotland. Depth: 16.5 metres. Approx 90mm long. Photo: Jim Anderson

The animal ranges in colour from translucent white to red. In all cases the cerata-like pallial processes, the rhinophore sheaths, and the posterior end of the foot are tipped with opaque yellow. The pallial processes are arranged along the edge of the mantle which forms a sinuous rim along each side of the body. In juveniles the pallial processes are arranged as separate papillae, but in adults they are close together forming a continuous frill around the mantle edge.

According to Thompson & Brown (1984) the species is nearly always found feeding upon the calyptoblastic hydroid Nemertesia ramosa in coastal waters down to 90 m. It is normally slow-moving, but if abruptly disturbed may swim clumsily by means of lateral contractions of the whole body, the most posterior cerata helping to form a propulsive keel. The adults may reach 94 mm in length.

Reference:
• Thompson, T.E. & Brown, G.H. (1984). Biology of Opisthobranch Molluscs. Vol II. The Ray Society. London.

Authorship details
Rudman, W.B., 2003 (July 30) Lomanotus genei Verany, 1846. [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet/lomagene

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