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Sea slug Polycera faeroensis

Paul Naylor

Yellow edged polycera

Scientific name: Polycera kernowensis
The UK is home to so many incredible sea slugs, like this elegant nudibranch.

Species information

Statistics

Up to 2cm long.

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

April - October.

About

The yellow edged polycera has a translucent body with dashes of bright yellow. It appears as if it was created by a talented artist!

The scientific name, Polycera kernowensis for this slug comes from the Greek words “polys” and “keras”, meaning “many” and “horns”, while “kernowensis” is derived from the old name for Cornwall, where the slug is commonly found.

How to identify

Translucent white body with bright yellow tips to confined to appendages and dorsal line on tail. The two lobes either side of the gills (half way along the slug’s back) are simple, without tubercles and with a single point. Very similar species to Polycera faeroensis and Polycera quadrilineata.

If you are recording your sightings as part of a recording scheme, make sure to include clear photographs to help verifiers confirm your sighting.

Distribution

Common in south and west Britain.

Habitats

Did you know?

Most nudibranchs are carnivorous, often feeding on bryozoans, sponges, and anemones!

How people can help

Always follow the Seashore Code when rockpooling, be careful to leave everything as you found it - replace any rocks you turn over, put back any crabs or fish and ensure not to scrape anything off its rocky home. If you want to learn more about our rockpool life, Wildlife Trusts around the UK run rockpool safaris and offer Shoresearch training - teaching you to survey your local rocky shore. The data collected is then used to protect our coasts and seas through better management or through the designation of Marine Protected Areas.