Description: The maximum recorded length of this attractive nudibranch is 80mm. The body is white, suffused with pink in parts, varying to red in some individuals. Finger-like processes project from the head the edges of the mantle and the middle of the dorsum. These processes are orange with yellow or white tips. There is a yellow band that runs around the edge of the foot. The lamellate rhinophores are rosy in colour with yellow tips.

Habitat: This nudibranch feeds on the ascidian Polycarpa scuba. It is often found burrowed inside the test of the ascidian, with only its gills protruding. The spawn consists of a pink ribbon which is irregularly and loosely coiled.

Distribution: A rare species in the British Isles, Okenia elegans has been found at scattered localities in SW England, Skomer Is., the Saltees in Co Wexford and the Skerries, Portrush , Co Antrim.

Key Identification Features:

• Long processes arising from the mantle edge and the midline of the back.
• White or red body with yellow-tipped processes.

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

iNaturalist: Okenia elegans at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Okenia elegans at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Okenia elegans (Leuckart, 1828). AphiaID: 140037.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Gastropoda; Heterobranchia; Euthyneura; Ringipleura; Nudipleura; Nudibranchia; Doridina; Doridoidei; Onchidoridoidea; Goniodorididae; Goniodoridinae; Okenia