Description: One of the more brightly coloured Dendronotus species, with bright yellow or white tips to the cerata. Body is translucent white with diffuse brown spots on the sides of the foot which sometimes form irregular brown patches. The digestive gland is clearly visible in the branches of the gills and is a similar shade of brown. The tips of the gills, papillae on rhinophore sheaths and oral veil papillae are tipped with bright cream or yellow. There are typically seven pairs of gills along the pallial rim with the first five being large, and the last pair very small or absent. There are pointed tubercles on the back and sides of the body which are brightly pigmented in cream or yellow. Adults can reach up to 60 mm in length.

Habitat: Hydroid-rich sites exposed to strong tidal streams.

Ecology: Feeds on Hydrallmania falcata. Can be found mixed with Dendronotus frondosus.

Distribution: Only very recently described so true distribution unknown at present. Recorded from Northern Ireland, north of Wales and Scotland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with other species of Dendronotus. The brightly pigmented tubercles on the back and sides of body as well as bright yellow/white tips to cerata help distinguish this species.

Key Identification Features:

• Brightly coloured Dendronotus
• Bright yellow or white tips to cerata.
• Digestive gland clearly visible in branches of gills.
• Bright cream or yellow gill tips, rhinophore sheath papillae and oral veil papillae.
• Pointed tubercles on back and sides of body which are birghtly pigmented in cream or yellow.

iNaturalist: Dendronotus keatleyae at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Dendronotus keatleyae

WoRMS: Dendronotus keatleyae at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Dendronotus keatleyae Korshunova, Grøtan, K. B. Johnson, Bakken, Picton & Martynov, 2023. AphiaID: 1651389.

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