Calmella_cavolini

Small aeolid nudibranch found in precoralligenous biocoenosis. The base colour is whitish to very pale violet. This species feeds on hydroids belonging to Eudendrium sp. and may be found in summer close to Flabellina affinis.

Propodial tentacles: Present, pale violet coloured to whitish, recurved.
Oral tentacles: Present, pale violet tinge with white tips, rugose.
Rhinophores: Pale violet tinge with white tips, rugose, very long.
Cerata: Orange to orange red in colour with white tips, joined at the base.
Foot: Colourless without any appendages.

Size range: 5-14mm. Common.

Specific characteristics: This species is easy to distinguish from related species by the presence of two dark spots (jaws) just before the rhinophores.

Identification by Dr. A. Perrone