Doto ussi? from East Timor

August 26, 2008
From: Brian Francisco

Hi Bill.
We're not really sure what this is, but suspect it (or they) may belong to the Dotidae family. Sorry for the poor photo; we were in a bit of a current but my wife (the greatest spotter in the universe) insisted that I take a few shots.

Locality: Bubble Beach, 6 meters, East Timor, Banda Sea, 23 March 2008, coral reef. Length: 1 cm. Photographer: Brian Francisco.

Hope you can help.

Thanks.
Brian Francisco
UnderWater East Timor

francisco.brian@gmail.com

Francisco, B., 2008 (Aug 26) Doto ussi? from East Timor. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/21480

Dear Brian,

You can certainly congratulate your wife for 'good spotting'. Yes this is a species of Doto, most probably the one I am identifying as Doto ussi. Interestingly it has been reported to live on the stinging hydroid Aglaophenia cupressina, which has a very thick central trunk. It is possible the cylindrical object your animal(s) are sitting on is such a thick trunk. It's not possible to be sure if there is more than one animal present.

I wondered if this photo was of the same animal as in your earlier message [#21679] as it was also found on a thick-stalked hydroid. I somehow doubt it but it may be worth keeping in mind if you come across similar animals again.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2008 (Aug 26). Comment on Doto ussi? from East Timor by Brian Francisco. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/21480

Factsheet

Doto ussi

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