Physical Description
The California Berthella, Berthella californica, resembles nudibranchs but belongs to the pleurobranchs or side-gilled opisthobranchs. It features a large gill positioned along the right side of the foot under the overhanging mantle. Its rhinophores are rolled, and it has a thin white line along the edge of the dorsal mantle, which can vary from translucent white to brown and may have scattered white dots. Berthella californica can reach up to 2 inches in length.
Habitat and Geographical Range
Found along the eastern Pacific coast, from Alaska to Baja California, the California Berthella inhabits coastal waters and rocky substrates. It prefers intertidal and subtidal zones, where it can find suitable prey and breeding sites.
What They Eat and How They Breed
California Berthellas primarily feed on various invertebrates such as sea squirts and occasionally on fish. As hermaphrodites, they lay fertilized eggs in egg ribbons, where they develop into larvae. After several weeks, the larvae are released into the water to complete their development and settle onto the seabed.
Similar Nudibranchs
There are several species of white dorid nudibranchs found in Monterey. For species often mistaken for the White Berthella, check out these links.
Hudson’s Dorid
Explore the unique features of Hudson’s Dorid, a whitish-hued nudibranch adorned with yellow-tipped tubercles, found along the eastern Pacific coast in diverse marine habitats.
Yellow-Edged Cadlina
Explore the captivating features of the Yellow-edged Cadlina, a nudibranch species native to the eastern Pacific coast, showcasing cream-to-yellow hues and distinct tubercle patterns.
San Diego Dorid
The San Diego Dorid has an oval body and varied coloration, often found along the eastern Pacific coast feeding on sponges.
Ridge-tailed Dorid
Discover the Ridge-tailed Dorid, a fascinating nudibranch species found along the eastern Pacific coast. Learn about its physical characteristics, habitat, diet, breeding habits, and more.
White Knight Dorid
Discover the elegant White Knight Dorid, a large nudibranch species with a pure white appearance, often exceeding 100mm in length, found along the eastern Pacific coast.
Yellow-Spotted Cadlina
Discover the mesmerizing features of the Yellow-spotted Cadlina, a nudibranch species native to the eastern Pacific coast, adorned with lemon-yellow dots on a cream-colored backdrop.
