Plocamopherus ceylonicus from Sulawesi

March 28, 2000
From: Lindsay Warren


Dear Bill
The first of these specimens was found by David Moss at 9pm on 6 September 1999 floating in mid water at a depth of 1 m over sea grass, Halimeda and sand flats of Pulau Kaledupa [Tukang Besi Archipelago, SE Sulawesi, Indonesia - Operation Wallacea]. Sizes: 18-24 mm.

The body is mottled white, dark and light brown, white towards the foot which also carries orange spots. The anterior end has branched papillae and on either side of the body are two longer curled extensions with 'globes' at the end. In some specimens these are pink but not in all cases. Over the body are short papillae while down the upper centre of the tail behind the branchial plume is a more pronounced ridge of papillae. The rhinophores are retractile with a club at the end of a relatively long stem. When it moves, the body waves from side to side as if it were sauntering along with a swagger. One specimen laid a pink beige egg mass in a holding dish. Photos: Lindsay Warren.

Looking forward to hearing what you think it might be.
All the best
Lindsay Warren

100014.2112@compuserve.com

Warren, L., 2000 (Mar 28) Plocamopherus ceylonicus from Sulawesi. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/2159

Dear Lindsay,
This is Plocamopherus ceylonicus one of this fascinating genus which has the light-producing 'balls' down each side of its body. When they swim they erect the 'tail' into a flattened vertical plane and throw the body into lateral waves, like a fish. Your first photo arrived scrambled. I'll post it when you get a chance to send me another copy.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 2000 (Mar 28). Comment on Plocamopherus ceylonicus from Sulawesi by Lindsay Warren. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/2159

Factsheet

Plocamopherus ceylonicus

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