Holothurian phyllidiid mimic
May 18, 2005
From: Valérie Besnard
Dear Bill,
During a stay in Kenya (March 2005), I've seen this sea slug that I couldn't identify: probably a Phyllidia sp. probably, but which one ???
Diani, Mombasa south, Kenya. 14 March 2005, size 4 cm, depth 15m, coral reef. Photo: Valérie Besnard
Thank you very much for your help !
Best regards,
Valérie
valeriebesnard@aol.com
Besnard, V., 2005 (May 18) Holothurian phyllidiid mimic. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/13782Dear Valérie,
Yes this does look like a phyllidiid but actually it is a juvenile sea cucumber. It's name is Bohadschia graeffei [or perhaps Pearsonothuria graeffei], and when juvenile it has this colourful phase, but as it grows it becomes a typical boring brownish sea cucmber. Have a look at the messages attached to the Mimicry Fact Sheet for more discussion on the animal.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman
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