Geographic range of Chelidonura livida

January 23, 2001
From: Richard Willan

Bill,

Your mention recently of "large extension of geographic range" in connection with Chelidonura livida, prompted me to tell you that the range of this species is actually much more extensive than the western Indian Ocean and Red Sea. I have a specimen that was taken in 17 metres, north of Port Essington, Cobourg Peninsula, Arafura Sea, northern Australia, in August 1986. It was taken in a trawl for prawns, and was just about to be swept back over the side with the rest of the "trash" when I pounced on it. Perhaps this species favours muddy substrates, rather than coral reefs as do other species Chelidonura, which explains why it is so little known?

Cheers,
Richard

Richard.Willan@nt.gov.au

Willan, R.C., 2001 (Jan 23) Geographic range of Chelidonura livida. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/3610

Thanks Richard.
Just to set the record straight I didn't actually say "large extension of geographic range" I said "large extension of its known geographic distribution". I think its important to get the message across that we know very little about most opisthobranchs and sightings such as Leif's and yours can make a major difference, changing our view of the species from that of a Red Sea endemic to a species which is widespread, at least in the Indian Ocean. One aim of the Forum is provide a place for all of us to share these little bits of information, which otherwise would effectively remain "unknown" to the scientific community.

I guess its a bit early to say whether it favours muddy substrates. Let's see if someone can find they have a photo of it from the Pacific.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2001 (Jan 23). Comment on Geographic range of Chelidonura livida by Richard Willan. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/3610

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Chelidonura livida

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