MARINE SPECIES

Felimare picta (Regal Sea Goddess)

About

A sea slug (nudibranch) spotted on a rocky seabed at Mesimvria. A sign of spotlessly clean water, and one of the most photogenic finds for snorkelling in Evros.

What it is

Felimare picta, common name Regal Sea Goddess. A dorid nudibranch, a shell-less gastropod mollusc, family Chromodorididae. Grows up to 13cm. Feeds on sponges of the genus Dysidea.

Dark blue to violet colour with yellow spots and a yellow outline along the mantle. Two dark-blue rhinophores at the front and a feather-like gill tuft at the back. Moves slowly over the rocks.

Where it lives

Rocky seabeds across the Mediterranean, including Greece, Spain, Portugal, the Azores, the Canary Islands and the Gulf of Mexico. Depth 0-55 metres.

Why it matters

Nudibranchs only live in clean, well-oxygenated water. Its presence at Mesimvria confirms what we say about the seabed here: a mixed bottom of sand and rock, crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkelling. It's not toxic like the pufferfish, but it has chemical defences drawn from the sponges it eats.

Seabed & Snorkelling

Shore: Sand with fine pebble
Seabed: Flat stones and rocks at 3-5 metres - that's where it lives
Water: Spotlessly clear, good visibility for a mask
Snorkelling: Yes, one of the best spots in Evros to find one

Practical Info

Don't touch it. It's extremely sensitive - sunscreen, oils and touch can kill it. Photos only. If you spot one, keep a distance of 30cm.

View on Encyclopedia of Life

Photos

Useful Information

Ζώνη Βάθους: Ρηχά Νερά
Επίσης Γνωστό Ως: Regal Sea Goddess
Επικινδυνότητα: Ασφαλές
Ομάδα Είδους: Μαλάκια
Επιστημονική Ονομασία: Felimare picta
Συχνότητα Εμφάνισης: Πολύ Σπάνιο

About

What it is

Where it lives

Why it matters

Seabed & Snorkelling

Practical Info

Photos

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