Phyllidia coelestis? from Sulawesi

April 8, 2001
From: Lindsay Warren

Dear Bill
I wonder whether you might be able to shed some light on the attached phyllidiid. We have found two specimens with the same markings. They look very similar to Phyllidia coelestis (including Y shaped mark in front of the rhinophores) but they have a black line along the centre of the foot.

They are considerably larger than 'regular' P. coelestis which we find fairly regularly in the Tukang Besi Archipelago. This particular one was found on 7 August 1999 on Pulau Hoga at a depth of 14 m on dead coral and coralline algae. Size: 49 mm. Photo: Lindsay
Warren. [Operation Wallacea]

Looking forward to your comments.
All the best
Lindsay

alldcl@compuserve.com

Warren, L., 2001 (Apr 8) Phyllidia coelestis? from Sulawesi. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/4130

Phyllidia varicosa, Phyllidia elegans , Phyllidia carlsonhoffi and Phyllidia tula all have a median black line on the foot sole, but none look very like your animal. Unless it is an undescribed species, my guess is that it is a form of Phyllidia varicosa or perhaps P. coelestis can have a black line on the foot as well?
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2001 (Apr 8). Comment on Phyllidia coelestis? from Sulawesi by Lindsay Warren. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/4130

Factsheet

Fryeria or Phyllidia?

Related messages

  1. Fryeria or Phyllidia from Hachijo Ids Japan
    From: Shouichi Kato, March 28, 2002
  2. Fryeria (?) with black line on sole
    From: Yasman, December 30, 2000
  3. Phyllidia coelestis (?) with black line on sole
    From: Yasman, December 28, 2000

Show factsheet and all related messages