Cuthona_foliata

Cuthona foliata is a small aeolid nudibranch found in shallow water feeding on hydroids growing on algae. There are doubts on the presence of this species in the Mediterranean and some authors consider the 'foliata' as genovae.

Propodial tentacles: Absent, (foot rounded).
Oral tentacles: 2 in number, short, with white tips.
Rhinophores: Translucent with white tips, smooth.
Cerata: Brown coloured with paler areas at the upper part, various small white spots and white tips.
Body: Translucent with white pigment in the anterior area, clear central area and white spots on the posterior part of the nudibranch. Two orange lines are present along the dorso-lateral part. No yellow line in the middle between rhinophores.
Foot: Translucent without appendages.

Size range: 2-6mm. Uncommon.

Specific characteristics: This species is similar to C. genovae, with which it may be confused. The presence or two orange lines but absence of a central yellow line may be used to identify this species.