Phyllidiopsis cardinalis - cryptic colouration?

November 13, 1998
From: Clay Bryce


Dear Bill,

here is a photo of mine of an animal I haven't a clue about. Sclerodoris sp. perhaps? It was collected at Cartier Island, Kimberley region, northwestern Australia.

I have a few more unknowns which I will dribble to you if that's ok.

All the best,
Clay Bryce

Western Australian Museum
Perth,
WA 6000.

brycec@museum.wa.gov.au

Bryce, C., 1998 (Nov 13) Phyllidiopsis cardinalis - cryptic colouration?. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/303

Clay,
It is Phylidiella cardinalis which is a most "unPhyllidia" looking animal. I have wondered why it has such a peculiar colour pattern and your photo suggests a possible answer. On the original slide the reddish brown layer which the slug is on appears to be a compound ascidian with the individual zooids being edged with reddish brown..much the same colour pattern as the phyllidiid. I'm afraid only a hint of this can be seen on the enlarged scan above. It would be worth keeping a look out for this species of Phyllidiella on this colony again. Perhaps it is its food. If so, it would be a fascinating discovery to find it eating something other than a sponge, which is the supposed food of phyllidiids.

Concerning your "threat" to dribble more photos to me for the Sea Slug Forum. I am happy to receive them. If it all gets too much I can always say no, or recruit some helpers.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 1998 (Nov 13). Comment on Phyllidiopsis cardinalis - cryptic colouration? by Clay Bryce. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/303

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