Once a month we will be sharing a marine species reported via the Fair Isle Marine WhatsApp group. This group is a space for community members and visitors to the isle to share any interesting marine finds. These reports also contribute to marine species records for Fair Isle to help monitor changes in biodiversity.
This month it was difficult to choose our favourite as there have been so many amazing marine finds on the Fair Isle shores, so we have three!
First up the Grey Sea Slug Aeolidia papillosa found at Muckle Uri Geo by Tom.
These sea slugs are widespread throughout the British Isles and are usually found in the intertidal and sublittoral zone. They can grow up to 12cm in length and are characterised by the V-shaped mark at the front of their heads. Although called grey sea slugs, their colouration can vary from brown, cream, fawn, dark purple-brown, orange or pink.
Grey Sea Slug – Aeolidia papillosa
Next up, we have these cushion stars Asterina phylactica, found by Jonnie at Muckle Uri Geo.
These small starfish, have five equal length arms with a mouth at the surface of the pale central disc. They are characterised by their grey-green dorsal surface with a characteristic dark star shape in the centre. They are usually found in intertidal rockpools off the south-west coasts of the British Isles but have also been found as further north as Shetland.
Cushion Stars -Asterina phylactica
Last but not least, and a familiar find for Fair Isle, this gorgeous Slender Sea Slug Facelina auriculata found at the rocks off the Haven slipway by Luca.
Distributed throughout the British Isles, these organisms are characterised by the numerous purple structures extending from their bodies known as cerata. These structures function in respiration, metabolism and, in some species of sea slug, defence.
Facelina auriculata can be found under boulders in the intertidal and sublittoral zone and are known to mostly feed on various species of hydroids.
Slender Sea Slug – Facelina auriculata
Photo credit: Jonnie Fisk and Alex Penn