Yellow edged polycera

Sea slug Polycera faeroensis

Paul Naylor

Yellow edged polycera

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

Top facts

Stats

Up to 2cm long.

Conservation status

Common.

Pryd i'w gweld

April - October.

Ynghylch

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.

What to look for

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.

Where to find

Common in south and west Britain.

Roeddech chi yn gwybod?

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