Another notaspid from Colombia

October 22, 2000
From: Phanor Montoya

Dear Bill:

I have found two different species of pleurobranch here in Santa Marta, Caribbean coast of Colombia. They were collected in a bivalve larvae net collector and were 3-5 cm long. I think they belong to the genus Pleurobranchus. What do you think? I have sent photos of the other species in a separate message.

Sincerely yours,
Phanor Montoya

phamont@eudoramail.com

Montoya, P., 2000 (Oct 22) Another notaspid from Colombia. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/3212

Dear Phanor,

Firstly, it seems that the right side of the mantle is damaged, as I think I can see part of the white gill which usually lies hidden below the mantle skirt.

The most distinctive feature of this species are the triangular white marks on some of the tubercles. You will note that those tubercles that have white triangular marks ae always a very dark brown colour. This gives the impression that the white marks are infact pointed white papillae. In Humann's book this species is identified as P. areolatus. As I discuss in your other message, I think P. areolatus is another species which lacks these white marks.

If this animal was from the Indo-West Pacific I would identify it as Pleurobranchus albiguttatus which I have found from east Africa to eastern Australia. It is not as common as Pleurobranchus peroni but is instantly recognisable by the white triangular marks. I have posted a page on P. albiguttatus from comparision. You won't find any references to this species in the literature because I think the name has not been used since Bergh's original description.

Until I get some feedback from others I will identify your animal as Pleurobranchus cf. abiguttatus but at least externally, I can find no obvious differences between it and the Indo-West Pacific species. This is a very intersting find.
Bets wishes,
Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 2000 (Oct 22). Comment on Another notaspid from Colombia by Phanor Montoya. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/3212

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