Phyllodesmium sp. 5 from Hachijo Island, Japan

May 22, 2002
From: Shouichi Kato

Dear Bill,
Could you please compare this aeolid with the one in my other mesage. They look very similar but this one has smooth rhinophores and fine white lines on its body.

I wonder if they are not same species.
I found it on the rocky reef shallower than 10m. 35mm in size.
Please advise.

Regards,
S. Kato

regulus@edit.ne.jp

Kato, S., 2002 (May 22) Phyllodesmium sp. 5 from Hachijo Island, Japan. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/6963

Dear Shouichi,
As you have noticed there are differences in colour and rhinophore morphology between the two animals. It is possible that the colour differences could be variation within a species, but combined with differences in rhinophore shape, I am pretty sure that these are different species. This animal is already on the Forum as Phyllodesmium sp. 5. If you see these two species again it would be nice to know what they eat, or are found on - Perhaps a soft coral or a gorgonian?
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (May 22). Comment on Phyllodesmium sp. 5 from Hachijo Island, Japan by Shouichi Kato. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/6963

Factsheet

Phyllodesmium sp. 5

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