Cerberilla affinis Bergh, 1888

Cerberilla affinis is a large aeolid that is found on sand where it is nocturnally active. It feeds on cerianthid anemones which build tubes in soft sediment. This species was described by Bergh in 1888.

Another "Beginners luck find, by Dave Behrens" (only kidding), this fantastic animal was found on a night dive near the town of Anilao, Batangas Province, Luzon, Philippines. At first Dave could not figure out what the ball of black tipped tentacles was, some kind of anemone was his first guess. He poked it several times at the tight ball until the slug uncoiled from its prey, revealing its identity as an aeolid nudibranch. Cerberilla feed on small burrowing sea anemones, which emerge from shallow sandy bottoms at night. This specimen, almost 90 mm in length, was feeding on a small unidentified golden colored anemone about 15mm in diameter. Once freed from is prey, the specimen exhibited its speed, used in foraging across the bottom. The broad foot is an adaptation for crawling on sandy substrate. This guy really moves!

It type localities include near Manila in the Philippines and Edam, Indonesia. Specimens have also been recorded from Australia, Okinawa, and as far east as Midway Atoll.

Dr. Terry Gosliner California Academy of Sciences Send Terry mail at tgosliner@casnotes1.calacademy.org

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