Re: Hypselodoris bilineata? from Senegal

Dear Andrej,
There is no need to feel humble - all views are welcome. From the work of Ortea et al (1996) I would agree that Marina's animals in message #16619 seem to be H. malacitana. However the animals in her message #9683  look identical to the animals, also from Senegal, in Fig 6 F, G of Ortea et al, where they are are identified as H. bilineata.. There seem to be two differences. In the Senegalese version of H. bilineata, the central part of the mantle has whitish spots or lines arranged longitudinally and bordered by a yellow line. In Senegalese H. malacitana, the central part of the mantle has scattered yellow spots, sometimes with a median line of spots as well.

Marina appears to have provided us with an interesting selection of photos of 'blue chromdorids' from Senegal. I guess only further study will clarify whether we are dealing with a single variable species, or two different species which appear to be mimicking each other.

Again I must say I have no personal experience with these species so I am guided solely by the published literature and photos on the Forum. I would appreciate further input

• Ortea, J., Valdés, A. & García-Gómez, J.C. (1996) Revisión de las especies atlánticas de la familia Chromodorididae (Mollusca: Nudibranchia) de grupo cromático azul. [Review of the Atlantic species of the family Chromodorididae (Mollusca: Nudibranchia) of the blue chromatic group.] Avicennia, 1996, Suppl. 1: 1-165.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman