Nudibranch - Southern Mozambique

April 19, 2001
From: Ian Miller

Hi Bill,
I am having some trouble identifying this nudibranch found on a recent trip to Southern Mozambique. It was on a small reef surrounded by sand at a depth of 24 m. The size is 7 cm and the my best guess from the books I have is genus Sclerodoris.

Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Ian & Kirsty Miller

diverian@xsinet.co.za

Miller, I, 2001 (Apr 19) Nudibranch - Southern Mozambique. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/4205

Dear Ian & Kirsty,
Your nudibranch is Phyllidiopsis cardinalis. The phyllidiids can usually be distinguished from 'normal' dorids like by their lack of gills in a circle around the anus. If you turn the animal upside down and look in the groove between the foot and the mantle you will find a row of thin flaps of skin which are their secondary gills. Phyllidiopsis cardinalis is often quite a dull camouflaged colour but it always has the bright yellow underside which we can see in your lower left photo. I have also included an enlarged view showing the coour pattern on the back.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B, 2001 (Apr 19). Comment on Nudibranch - Southern Mozambique by Ian Miller. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/4205

Factsheet

Phyllidiopsis cardinalis

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