Nudibranch from Ica, Peru

Dear Andre,

I am pretty sure this is Doris fontainei. Most of the photos on the Forum are of animals without the dark brown background colour, but Michael Schroedl in his various publications on the species mentions that it can have such a dark brown background. Have a look at the species fact Sheet and attached messages for further information.

This is an interesting biogeographical find because as Micheal Schroedl mentions in an earlier message [#8283], this species is well-known in southern South America but at present the only known record from as far north as Peru is from Independence Bay [see message #8071]. It is clearly a bit early to say but perhaps this dark brown background colouration will prove to be the usual colour form in animals from the northern part of the species' range.

I am afraid I can't give you a good genus name for the species. It has in recent years been Doris fontainei, Anisodoris fontainei and Archidoris fontainei, reflecting various revisions of higher classification. Unfortunately stability has not as yet been reached so I prefer to leave it as Doris fontainei at present.

If you are planning to study the Peruvian fauna you should obtain a copy of Michael Schroedl's Sea Slugs of Sth America. Considering how unknown the Peruvian fauna is, photos of any of your finds would be very welcome and valuable additions to the Forum.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman