Hoplodoris armata? from South Africa

Dear Valda,

It looks a bit like some of the large species of Dendrodoris, but I am pretty sure it is a species of Hoplodoris. Unfortunately I am not finding that genus very easy to identify to the species level from external appearances, but the shape of the tubercles, with a prominent stalk and a basal white ring, suggest this is a colour form - or close relative of - Hoplodoris armata, which if verified would give the species a huge range extension from Japan and the western Pacific.  Interestingly, Fahey & Gosliner (2003) in their revision of the genus considered Carminodoris mauritiana (from Mauritius) to be a synonym of H. grandiflora.  But they did note there were differences in the reproductive system between Bergh's description for C. mauritiana and their dissections of animals they identified as H. grandiflora. Since they had no specimens of H. armata to study in their revision it still leaves open the possibility that  Carminodoris mauritiana is a very old name from H. armata. Unfortunately nothing is ever simple.

Have you seen this animal often? It would be good to get an idea of colour variability.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman