Dendrodoris elizabethina from Gulf of Oman

March 5, 2004
From: Henk Dekker

This dorid-like species is 1.5 - 2cm long. It was collected in 25 cm of water at low tide, on algae in a sandy tidal channel bordered by mangroves. Locality: United Arab Emirates, Gulf of Oman, Khawr Kalba. 16 Feb. 2004. Any ideas on the identity are welcome.
Henk Dekker

h-dekker@quicknet.nl

Dekker, H., 2004 (Mar 5) Dendrodoris elizabethina from Gulf of Oman. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/12327

Dear Henk,
This is a very interesting find, as I have discussed in a separate message [#12367]. From the general shape of your animal it is clearly a species of Dendrodoris but the only species that looks vaguely like it is Dendrodoris caesia from South Africa. However as soon as I saw it I was reminded of a painting of an animal collected in Sri Lanka [Ceylon] almost 150 years ago and never seen since. As I discuss separately, I am sure that your animal is the long lost Doris elizabethina, which is best placed in the genus Dendrodoris. I am not sure who Elizabeth was, but from Kelaart's comments " ... I have named it in compliment to one who takes more than an ordinary interest in my zoological pursuits." , it sounds as thought here was romance in the air.
Best wishes
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2004 (Mar 5). Comment on Dendrodoris elizabethina from Gulf of Oman by Henk Dekker. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/12327

Factsheet

Dendrodoris elizabethina

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  1. Rediscovery of Doris elizabethina Kelaart
    From: Bill Rudman, March 5, 2004

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