Unknown seaslug from Whangaparaoa, New Zealand

August 20, 2009
From: Graham Bould

Dear Bill,

Two photos attached, one showing the underside. I have been unable to ID this & hope that you can help with a name. This is the only one I have ever seen, so it would appear to be uncommon. It can move rapidly. The skin seems similar to an octopus.

Locality: Rocks, Low tide level, Whangaparaoa, New Zealand, Pacific, 22 July 2009, Under stone in rock pool. Length: 25 mm. Photographer: Graham Bould.

Graham Bould

graham@grahambould.net

Bould, G., 2009 (Aug 20) Unknown seaslug from Whangaparaoa, New Zealand. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/22591

Dear Graham,

Although it has no external shell, this is a snail rather than a sea slug. In fact it has quite a large shell which is enclosed within the mantle skin. It is a member of the family Velutinidae [Lamellariidae]. Have a look at the family Fact Sheet and some of the messages attached to that Fact Sheet for more information on these animals. I used to know the names of the New Zealand lamellariids but they have changed considerably in the last 40 years so I won't hazard a guess.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2009 (Aug 20). Comment on Unknown seaslug from Whangaparaoa, New Zealand by Graham Bould. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/22591

Factsheet

Velutinidae - are they sea slugs?

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