Janolus sp from Ningaloo Reef
March 29, 2007
From: Kristin Anderson
I think this is a Janolus sp but not sure on a more accurate ID.
This is the first orange one I have seen with such distinctive white markings.
Locality: Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth, 13 m, Western Australia, Indian Ocean, 17 March, 2007, limestone reef . Length: 1 cm. Photographer: Kristin Anderson.
Kristin Anderson
kristin@OceansByAnderson.com
Anderson, K.J., 2007 (Mar 29) Janolus sp from Ningaloo Reef. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/19735
Dear Kristin,
Yes this is a species of Janolus. I have included a close-up of the head alongside to show the characteristic wrinkled ridge [or caruncle] between the rhinophores. Your animal has similarities to the eastern Australian Janolus sp. 1 but that species seems to have many more cerata and they have a white subterminal band. I think I will keep your animal separate as Janolus sp. 9 until someone studies the group.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman
