Okenia cf. mellita - Ningaloo Reef
December 31, 2004
From: Kristin Anderson
Dear Bill,
Here is my most recent shot of this rarely seen nudibranch. I think it might be Okenia mellita - but notice that it is only noted from Eastern Australia so far.
Details of this shot are below, but I also have photos of it from the Muiron Islands, similar depth and surrounds. I have also seen one in Coral Bay but do not seem to have a photo of it that I can find.
Locality: Lighthouse Bay, Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef. Western Australia, Indian Ocean
Depth: 12 m. Length: 15 mm. 14 April 2004
Limestone base with hard coral reef; sandy surrounds
Photographer: Kristin Anderson
Kristin Anderson
kristin@exmouthdiving.com.au
Anderson, K.J., 2004 (Dec 31) Okenia cf. mellita - Ningaloo Reef. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/12862Dear Kristin,
Certainly the colour looks like Okenia mellita, but it appears to lack the white markings found in eastern Australian specimens. I can't see the rhinophores or gills, and I am not sure from the photo if this is two animals together or one animal bent around so its head and tail are together. A photo showing its shape would be useful.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman
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