Orange-Barred Mexichromis - Fremantle, WA

March 1, 2007
From: Brent Murdoch

Hi,

I think I have identified this one correctly. The reference I have has some dark spots on the top of the body, but this one does not.

Locality: Fremantle, Swan River, 4.5, Western Australia, Australia, Indian Ocean, 03 February 2007, Sand / Weed. Length: 35 mm. Photographer: Brent Murdoch.

Brent Murdoch.

brent@murdoch.id.au

Murdoch, B.D., 2007 (Mar 1) Orange-Barred Mexichromis - Fremantle, WA. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/19514

Dear Brent,
It is unusual to find animals without the dark purple spots or purple-tipped papillae, but they do occur.

As you will see on my Fact Sheet on common names, I am not a great supporter of their use. This is quite a good example why. I named this species Mexichromis macropus because the first specimens I had of it were from Kangaroo Island in South Australia and Macropus is the scientific name for the kangaroo genus. I know you are just following what is in your book, but if this species really needs a common name wouldn't Kangaroo Island Mexichromis be more true to its real name? But why bother? Mexichromis macropus is shorter than either Kangaroo Island Mexichromis or Orange-barred Mexichromis. Many book publishers think 'common' people can't use scientific names. If so, surely it is contradictory to have the 'scientific' name Mexichromis in the common name? Please use Mexichromis macropus - its shorter, it is unique to this species, and it can be understood anywhere in the world.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2007 (Mar 1). Comment on Orange-Barred Mexichromis - Fremantle, WA by Brent Murdoch. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/19514

Factsheet

Mexichromis macropus

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