Doto eireana (Lemche, 1973)
WoRMS Taxonomic Information
Current classification
| Superdomain | Biota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Mollusca |
| Class | Gastropoda |
| Subclass | Heterobranchia |
| Infraclass | Euthyneura |
| Subterclass | Ringipleura |
| Superorder | Nudipleura |
| Order | Nudibranchia |
| Suborder | Cladobranchia |
| Superfamily | Dendronotoidea |
| Family | Dotidae |
| Genus | Doto |
| Species | Doto eireana Lemche, 1976 |
Small-sized nudibranch, the specimens use to have a size smaller than 1 centimeter in length, the body is high with quadrangular section, coloured translucent white, with reddish brown spots scattered throughout the body, especially on the back and sides, and also in the tips of the tubercles of the cerata. The cerata are bulbous and have tubercles arranged in rows (usually two) just below the tip. It has oral tentacles in the anterior basal part of the body. Right behind them, in the dorsal part of the body, it has two tubular rhinophores that may have bright white spots that differ from the translucent color of the rest of the body. The lower part of the rhinophores is surrounded by a bell-shaped, high and narrow sheath.
Biology
Recently separated from the Doto coronata species, Doto eireana can be easily confused with similar species such as Doto dunnei or Doto maculata, but it can be identified by the substrate where it is found, as it feeds exclusively on the hydroid Amphisbetia operculata, that can be found in places with high hydrodynamism, such as rocks exposed to waves in the infralittoral zone or the stipe of the kelp Laminaria hyperborea. The spawn consists of a white accordion shaped ribbon deposited on the hydrarian it feeds on. The cerata can be detached easily if the animal feels in danger, although they can be quickly regenerated.
Etymology
- Doto. From Latin “Doto”, from “Dōtō”, a sea nymph in Greek mythology.
- Eireana. From “Eire”, Ireland.
Distribution
Its distribution range includes the west coast of Ireland, the west coast of Scotland, Wales, the Bristol Channel and the entire south of England, including the Isle of Wight. In the Iberian Peninsula has been reported from the Bay of Biscay, the coast of Galicia and Portugal. In Catalonia it has been found on the Costa Brava, between Blanes and l’Escala.
Similar species
Doto coronata, D. dunnei, D. millbayana i D. maculata, from which can be separated by the pigmentation, ceratal tubercules development, pseudobranch and feeding substrate.
Abundance
Relative abundance of Doto eireana among the different marine basins, based on our own records
This chart displays the monthly observation probability for Doto eireana based on our own records.
This chart displays the number of annual observations of Doto eireana over the last 50 years, based on our own records. The trend should be interpreted with caution, as it may be biased by the growing popularity of this animal group.
More pictures
Bibliography
Further reading
Cite this article as:
Fuertes, S., Ballesteros, M., Madrenas, E. & Pontes, M. (2025) "Doto eireana" in OPK-Opistobranquis. Published: 16/04/2013. Accessed: 04/11/2026. Available at (https://opistobranquis.info/en/?p=7353)