Hoplodoris bramale from the East Pacific
October 23, 2003
From: Dr Shireen Fahey
PHOTO: Hoplodoris bramale (INB ) Costa Rica, 25 mm. long alive. Photo: T.M. Gosliner. [From Fahey & Gosliner, 2003: Fig 17E]
As I mentioned in my message about our generic review, here is a summary of our description of Hoplodoris bramale
Hoplodoris bramale is the first record of a species of Hoplodoris from the Eastern Pacific. This species has thus far only been found on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It was named for its appearance, which resembles a truffle, tuber bramale in Latin. Hoplodoris bramale has large, rounded tubercles. The coloration is complex and variegated, with the ground color light to medium mottled brown or tan. It is most similar in appearance to Hoplodoris grandiflora with both species having no distinct central oval of color. Both species also have brown rhinophores with white tips and a raised rhinophore sheath. Both species also have feathery, light brown or tan gill leaves. It's the internal anatomy that varies considerably between the two species, particularly the reproductive anatomy. Hoplodoris bramale has two armed accessory glands while H. grandiflora has one gland. The radular morphology also differs between the two species.
Reference:
• Fahey, S. J. & Gosliner, T. M. (2003) Mistaken identities: On the Discodorididae genera Hoplodoris Bergh, 1880 and Carminodoris Bergh, 1889 (Opisthobranchia, Nudibranchia). Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences, 54(10): 169-208.
Dr Shireen Fahey
sfahey@calacademy.org
Fahey, S.J., 2003 (Oct 23) Hoplodoris bramale from the East Pacific. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/11253Thanks Shireen,
Bill Rudman
