Warty Doris

Doris verrucosa

Doris verrucosa is a yellow-brown oval nudibranch characterized by its distinctive warty skin. It features eight gills arranged around its anus and perfoliate rhinophores. This species can reach a maximum length of 70 mm, with South African specimens typically growing up to 30 mm. It is primarily found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, particularly off the coasts of France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. It inhabits benthic environments, often in high intertidal pools and can be recorded at depths of up to 14 m. The Warty Doris feeds on the crumb-of-bread sponge, Hymeniacidon cf. perlevis, which closely resembles its coloration. This species is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, engaging in mating behaviors where individuals may alternate roles between male and female. Their eggs are deposited in tall, upright collars consisting of several complete whorls. Encountering a Warty Doris during a dive can be intriguing, as divers may observe its slow movements and unique texture against the backdrop of its sponge habitat. While it has been recorded at various dive sites, its conservation status remains unassessed, and it is not evaluated by the IUCN.