Pleurobranch unknown to Portugal

June 26, 2003
From: Cesar Gavaia

Hi everyone,
This pleurobranch (5mm long) was caught in Vale de Lobo (Algarve, Portugal), at 20 m depth, over mixed bottom of sand, gravel, empty shells and detritus, with ripple marks.
By the general morphology, I would say that it is probably a species of Berthella or Berthellina, but it doesn´t look like any of the pleurobranchs of these genera that are normally found in Portuguese waters (Berthella plumula , B. stellata, Berthellina edwardsi). Due to it´s very small size, I suppose it could be a juvenile of these species, but I have never seen such a small Berthella or Berthellina so I would´t know. Also, I have never seen pleurobranchs with iridiscent light blue speckling; this animal has them along the enrolled rinhophores, spread over the mantle, and also on the upper surface of the posterior tip of the foot.

I would appreciatte very much if someone could give me a clue, or even a final ID.

Best regards to all.
César Gavaia,
Portugal

cgavaia@hotmail.com

Gavaia, C., 2003 (Jun 26) Pleurobranch unknown to Portugal. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/10207

Thanks César,
I guess this is a juvenile. Hopefully someone will be able to give us an idea on its identity. It's interesting how the outer edges of the oral veil are covered in iridiscent light blue speckling, giving the impression of a pair of large oral tentacles.
Best wishes
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2003 (Jun 26). Comment on Pleurobranch unknown to Portugal by Cesar Gavaia. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/10207

Factsheet

Unidentified - Europe, Mediterranean, West Africa

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