Physical Description
Mulliner’s Dorid is a sizable nudibranch species found south of Santa Barbara. It features yellow rhinophores and gills and exhibits irregular brown blotches on its mantle.
Habitat and Geographical Range
This species inhabits the eastern Pacific coast, particularly in regions south of Santa Barbara. It can be found in various marine habitats within its geographical range.
What They Eat and How They Breed
Mulliner’s Dorid primarily feeds on sponges, utilizing specialized feeding structures to consume its prey. Like other nudibranchs, it likely reproduces through mating behavior, with individuals exchanging sperm for fertilization. After fertilization, females lay eggs, typically in gelatinous masses on suitable substrates.
Similar Nudibranchs
There are several species of yellow dorid nudibranchs found in Monterey. The key features of Mulliner’s dorid are the large, circular dark patterns and yellow gills. For species often mistaken for the Mulliner’s dorid, check out these links.