Polycera atra
1cm
7 sites
Polyceridae
Imagine spotting a tiny, jet-black jewel nestled on the seabed – that's likely your encounter with the Sorcerer's Dorid (Polycera atra)! This nudibranch, a type of sea slug, is a petite beauty, typically around 1cm but occasionally reaching 2cm. While we don't know its specific depth range, it's a benthic creature, meaning you'll find it crawling along the ocean floor in the Eastern Pacific. What makes the Sorcerer's Dorid so enchanting is its stark colouration and delicate form. Because it doesn't feed, it is a species that does not require any food source in its environment to survive. Keep your eyes peeled for this miniature marvel on your next dive!
The Sorcerer's Dorid is easily recognised by its small size (typically 1cm), jet-black body, and the presence of smooth, rounded cerata (finger-like projections) along its back. Its rhinophores (sensory horns) are also black and noticeable. Its shape is smooth and elongated without many distinguishing features aside from its cerata.
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