Haminoea alfredensis
Bartsch, 1915
Order: CEPHALASPIDEA
Superfamily: HAMINOEOIDEA
Family: Haminoeidae
DISTRIBUTION
Temperate South Africa
PHOTO
In the upper rock pools, Marsh Strand, 5 cm of water, near Haga-Haga, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 15 February 2002. Length: 16 mm. [lower photo is close up to show characteristic yellow spots]. Photos: Lindsay Warren.
Although Macnae (1962) considered there were at least 5 species of Haminoea commonly found in South Africa, Gosliner (1987) considered there were basically two. Both recognised H. alfredensis, but Gosliner considered the rest were variations on H. natalensis. The most significant anatomical difference is that H. alfredensis has a broad radular ribbon with about 40 teeth on each side of the midline, while H. natalensis has about 7 teeth in each half row.
The animals of temperate species of Haminoea all look quite similar in shape and colour. H. alfredensis is said to be characterised by its translucent greenish background colour and yellow spots.
References:
• Gosliner, T.M. (1987) Nudibranchs of Southern Africa, a guide to the Opisthobranchs of southern Africa. Sea Challengers, Monterey. 136pp.
• Macnae, W. (1962) Tectibranch Molluscs from Southern Africa. Annals of the Natal Museum, 15(16): 183-199.
Rudman, W.B., 2002 (July 25) Haminoea alfredensis Bartsch, 1915. [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet/hamialfr
