Opisthobranchs of Izu Peninsula
Keiu Suzuki

ISBN4-484-00400-3
Paperback. 210 x 148mm. 178pp.
Published by TBS-BRITTANICA Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.
April 2000.

This book records and illustrates over 250 species of the opisthobranch fauna of Izu Peninsula which is situated in the middle of Japan, on the Pacific Coast between Sagami Bay and Suruga Bay. In many ways the composition of the fauna is similar to that of the Sydney region of New South Wales, not so much in having the same species (which it doesn't) but in having a mix of a widespread tropical Pacific element and an endemic subtropical/temperate Japanese fauna.

This is definitely Dr K. Baba territory and I find it exciting to see for the first time photographs of some Japanese species which I have only known from printed descriptions. No matter how diligently prepared and accurate such descriptions are, a colour photograph certainly completes the story.

The majority of the species in the book are nudibranchs but there is also a good coverage of the other major orders (Sacoglossa, Cephalaspidea, Anaspidea. Notaspidea). The book is arranged with about 4 species to a double page which allows for photos of more than adequate size. Unfortunately to non-Japanese speakers most of the text is in Japanese other than the name, size and basic locality information.

I have not checked all the identifications, but those that I have, seem correct and up to date. There is an up to date reference list and I am glad to see a list of major websites.

This book complements Atsushi Ono's book on Kerama Island rather than competes with it, as the fauna of Izu Peninsula has a much larger proportion of the endemic Japanese fauna than was recorded by Atsushi Ono from Kerama Island. For anyone interested in the beauty and diversity of opisthobranchs I would recommend this book.
Bill Rudman

Authorship details
Rudman, W.B., 2000 (April 25) Opisthobranchs of Izu Peninsula. Keiu Suzuki. [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet/brsuzuki

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