Re: Siphopteron tigrinum from nthn Mariana Islands

November 15, 2006
From: Yuji Fujie


Concerning message #6427:

Dear Dr.Bill,
I think this is Siphopteron citrinum. This animal is very common in Saipan.
We did not see any over 4 mm in length.

Locality: Laulau Beach, 6 m, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, Pacific Ocean, 6 June 2006, on the dead coral. Length: 2 mm. Photographer: Yuji Fujie.

Best regards,
Yuji

dswith@isletwind.com

Yuji Fujie, 2006 (Nov 15) Re: Siphopteron tigrinum from nthn Mariana Islands. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/18347

Dear Yuji,
This is an interesting find. I suspect this is a spotted form of Siphopteron tigrinum. In this species the yellow markings are usually broad bands rtaher than the large spots of your animals, but in general shape and purplish background colour they are the same.

The external colour of Siphopteron citrinum (Carlson & Hoff, 1974) seems to be known only from the original description. The animal is similar in shape, but the background colour seems to be a uniform yellow. I guess more specimens willl need to be studied before we can say whether it is always uniform yellow in colour or not.

In a message yesterday [#18337] about Siphopteron michaeli I discussed the shape of the 'siphon' in species of this genus. Your photos show the median crest on the enrolled siphon very well. The crest extends beyond the end of the siphon as a black rod.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2006 (Nov 15). Comment on Re: Siphopteron tigrinum from nthn Mariana Islands by Yuji Fujie. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/18347

Factsheet

Siphopteron tigrinum

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