Glossodoris rubroannulata in Sydney?

May 20, 2005
From: David Power

Hi Bill
I saw this whilst diving near the heads just inside Sydney Harbour. I was wondering if you could confirm if this is in fact Glossodoris rubroannulata.
On the species list it is cited as being found in warmer tropical waters. Is it commonly sited in Sydney?
I do hope so as it made my dive to see such a beautiful creature.

Locality:  Sydney Harbour, NSW. Australia. Pacific ocean. Depth: 6 m. 15 May 2005 Sheltered rocky reef. Photographer: David Power

Thanks very much for your help
Regards,
 David

davidpower_@hotmail.com

Power, S. D., 2005 (May 20) Glossodoris rubroannulata in Sydney?. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/13831

Dear David,
This is indeed Glossodoris rubroannulata which is certainly a rare find even in tropical waters. It is certainly unusual to find it as far south as Sydney. However you can expect to find a wide variety of more tropical animals anywhere along the New South wales coast, as their larvae can be swept down in the warm water currents and eddies that move  south down the east Australian coast.

Your animal seems to be a bit unusual in the amount of white pigmentation it has. The white band on the mantle is much wider than normal, and the side of the body is usually translucent yellow with white, red and yellow bands at the edge of the foot. In your animal the whole of the side of the body/foot is white, except for the red and yellow border.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2005 (May 20). Comment on Glossodoris rubroannulata in Sydney? by David Power. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/13831

Factsheet

Glossodoris rubroannulata

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