Selection: Berthella stellata

Berthella stellata (Risso, 1826) [Pleurobranchus]

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The mantle of Berthella stellata ranges in colour from translucent white and yellow to opaque dark grey. It is characterized by a white star-like pattern in the centre of the mantle. This distinctive mark is less visible in larger specimens, and many specimens are lacking it.
The variant with the star-like white patch was described as Berthella stellata var. albocrossata Heller & Thompson, 1983
It has a world-wide geographical distribution, excluding very cold waters.
Thanks for identification of this specimen to Terrence M. Gosliner, USA
More informations on Berthella stellata are at Bill Rudman's Sea-Slug Forum!