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Sea lemon

A large colourful sea slug found on rocky shores around the UK.

Scientific name

Doris pseudoargus

When to see

January to December

Species information

Statistics

Length: up to 12cm
Common

About

The sea lemon is a type of sea slug found in UK seas down to 300m and occasionally under boulders in rockpools on the low shore. They are often lemon-yellow in colour, but can be green, white or brown. Their body is covered in warty lumps and their markings are often blotchy. They have a ring of feathery gills near their rear end that they use to breathe. The sea lemon feeds on sponges, mainly the Breadcrumb Sponge. They lay a long ribbon of eggs which are laid in a coil with one end attached to the seafloor - creating a beautiful egg rosette.

How to identify

A large sea slug, up to 12cm long. Normally found under rocks or bounders in rockpools on the low shore or beneath the sea. They have a warty bumpy body, with yellowish and often blotchy colouration. Confusingly, they can also be green, white and brown.

Distribution

Found on all UK coasts.

Did you know?

The sea lemon's entire life cycle last only a single year. Juveniles appear in the late summer and grow into adults throughout autumn and winter. They then mate and spawn in spring before dying.