Re: Unknown translucent dorid from Brazil

March 31, 2006
From: Angel Valdes

Concerning message #16159:

Bill and Vinicius,
I believe this is Hallaxa apefae Marcus, 1957. For a description see:

  • Ortea, J., Valdés, A. & Templado, J. 1997. Hallaxa apefae Marcus, 1957 (Nudibranchia: Actinocyclidae) from Ghana (West Africa), newly recognized as an amphiatlantic species. The Veliger, 40: 86-88.

Best regards,
Angel

avaldes@nhm.org

Valdes, A., 2006 (Mar 31) Re: Unknown translucent dorid from Brazil. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/16203

Dear Angel,
I fully agree with your suggestion. I thought it looked like a Hallaxa or Actinocyclus but for some reason couldn't fit the photo with Marcus's or your earlier description. I guess the median ridge is not clear in Vinicius's photo. But on rechecking, following your remarks, I don't know why I was so hesitant. Thanks for sorting that out. 

Vinicius, it would be very interesting to find out what sponge this animal feeds on. Ortea, Valdes & Templado (1997) mention the one specime they found was very well camouflaged on its sponge. A number of actinocyclids feed on halisarcid sponges, which are often called 'slime sponges' because they look like a layer of slimy jelly or plastic on the rocks, and lack any spiculate skeleton. It would be interesting to know if this species also feeds on a halisarcid sponge.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2006 (Mar 31). Comment on Re: Unknown translucent dorid from Brazil by Angel Valdes. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/16203

Factsheet

Hallaxa apefae

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