Swimming nudibranchs
November 2, 2002
From: Peter & Kristen
Bill:
This year in Western Washington [USA] on Puget Sound, we were canoeing up Hammersley Inlet near Shelton, WA with the incoming tide, when we came upon a "White Lined Dirona Nudibranch" Dirona albolineata spinning slowly up from the gravel bottom. It was all white and about seven inches long [approx 17cm], looking like a giant hairy sea slug or white rabbit of the deep.
It had apparently become dislodged due to the strong tidal current and came involuntarily flying up from the bottom to the surface. It was clearly alive and writhing its nudibranches in an attempt to get some purchase. This animal was longer and much more complex and opaque than the other photos in the Forum, though you can still see the white lines on the mantle and the branches. I had never seen one, and it was mesmerizing to watch it slowly tumble the eddy before it sank quietly back to its home on the bottom.
Great Flying Nudibranchs!
Peter
p.edler@attbi.com
Peter & Kristen , 2002 (Nov 2) Swimming nudibranchs. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/8344
Dear Peter,
Although this has similarities to Dirona it is a species of Dendronotus, most species of which can put on spectacular swimming displays. I can't see all the details but I suspect this is a colour form of Dendronotus iris. One of its distinguishing features is a white line along the edge of the foot. I think parts of this are visible in your lower right photo. If I am wrong I am sure someone will kindly let us know
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman
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