Tambja from New Zealand

December 10, 1998
From: Ross Armstrong

Hi Bill

I have seen these little nudibranchs at the Poor Knights Islands (northeastern New Zealand) on several occasions.  The ones I have seen are about 2-3cm long.  Are these small Tambja affinis or a different species.

The photos were taken by Brian Sopher and would have been in less than 10m.  Is it the same species with different colouring?

thanks

Ross Armstrong.

ross@northpower.co.nz

Armstrong, R., 1998 (Dec 10) Tambja from New Zealand. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/372

Note added 17 May 2007: This species is now named Tambja tenuilineata.

Dear Ross,

Thanks for the photos. Your animals are both the same species - an unnamed species of Tambja. It is quite common in New South Wales waters and I had planned to finish a paper on it this year but unforseen events delayed my plans. Hopefully it should be finished early in the New Year. In both your photographs you can see the arborescent (plant-like) bryozoan on which it feeds and is usually found.

Any other photos of New Zealand nudibranchs would be very welcome, even if you know what they are.

Best wishes,

Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 1998 (Dec 10). Comment on Tambja from New Zealand by Ross Armstrong. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/372

Factsheet

Tambja tenuilineata

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