Phidiana hiltoni

Phidiana hiltoni is a species of sea slug, an aeolid nudibranch, a shell-less marine gastropod mollusc in the family Facelinidae.[1]

Phidiana hiltoni
Phidiana hiltoni in a Central California tide pool
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Mollusca
Class:
Gastropoda
(unranked):
clade Nudipleura
clade Nudibranchia
clade Dexiarchia
clade Cladobranchia
clade Aeolidida
Superfamily:
Aeolidioidea
Family:
Facelinidae[1]
Genus:
Phidiana
Species:
P. hiltoni
Binomial name
Phidiana hiltoni
Synonyms
  • Phidiana nigra MacFarland, 1966
  • Phidiana pugnax Lance, 1962

Distribution

This species has a rather limited range of distribution, being found from the central California coast to Baja California, Mexico, and it is also found in the Gulf of Mexico. Recently, its range has been extending north and is now found north of San Francisco Bay.

Description

This nudibranch grows to 50 mm, or a little more than 2 inches in length. The reddish or brownish line across its head is almost always present, and is very characteristic of the species.

This species can be confused with Hermissenda crassicornis, which is superficially similar in appearance.

Phidiana hiltoni in a tide pool in California

Life habits

This aolid nudibranch species is considered to be rather aggressive, often biting and fighting with other nudibranchs, including members of its own species.

References
  1. WoRMS (2009). Phidiana Gray, 1850. In: Bouchet, P.; Gofas, S.; Rosenberg, G. (2009) World Marine Mollusca database. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=137635 on 2010-05-18
  • Sea Slug Forum factsheet:
  • Slug Site:
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