Lion's Mane Nudibranch (Aeolidia papillosa)
Lion's Mane Nudibranch (Aeolidia papillosa)
Common name: lion's mane nudibranch
Scientific name: Aeolidia papillosa
Locations: lower intertidal in rocky substrate
Seasonality: available year round, spring best collecting
Colors: dusky gray color with whitish highlights
Size: 1" - 2"
Collected: under rocks, along piles, in free floating weed piles
Quantity: sold by the each
Tidepool Tim says, “Lions' mane nudibranchs are the kings of the sea slug group. We find them in low water among the rocks and are always impressed with their size alone. Once we put them in our aquaria - we see just how big and imposing they are! Supposedly they feed on anemones though we have never witnessed this. They have a neat mane of lobes of tissue called 'cerata'. These nudibranchs are common throughout the world in coldwater environments. They feed on anemones like Urticaria and Metridium.”