Description: This nudibranch is variable in colour which can range from predominantly white, yellow, red to brown individuals. The seven pairs of gills are widely separated and frequently there is a rectangular brown patch between their bases. The gills and oral veil carry elongate branched processes. The edge of the rhinophore sheaths also carry long, branched processes, usually with the posterior one longer than the others. Adults are typically 70-100 mm in length.

Habitat: Tubularia indivisa rich areas, subject to strong tidal streams.

Ecology: Feeds on Tubularia indivisa.

Distribution: Found all around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with other Dendronotus species. The gills on D. europaeus are more finer and more densely branched than other species.

Key Identification Features:

• Large arborescent gills rising from mantle edge, these are fine and densely branched.
• Arborescent processes on the edge of the rhinophore sheaths with the posterior process elongated.

Distribution Map from NBN: Dendronotus europaeus at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Dendronotus europaeus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Dendronotus europaeus

WoRMS: Dendronotus europaeus at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Dendronotus europaeus Korshunova, Martynov, Bakken & Picton, 2017. AphiaID: 998034.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Gastropoda; Heterobranchia; Euthyneura; Ringipleura; Nudipleura; Nudibranchia; Cladobranchia; Dendronotoidea; Dendronotidae; Dendronotus