Chromodoris binza & C. clenchi from Florida

February 14, 2002
From: Linda Ianniello


Hi Bill,
I noticed on your page for Chromodoris binza you have shots of it and Chromodoris clenchi to show the differences. Here are shots of each of them from Florida, again showing the differences between the two. We found C. clenchi [UPPER PHOTO] in the Lake Worth Lagoon, in an area that is very tidal, in about 15'. We have seen it both during the day and night dives. C. binza [LOWER PHOTO] has been found off Deerfield Beach, again in about 15'. Both are very small, just over 1/2 inch. Both these were found January, 2002, but have been seen occasionally over the last 6 months. Thank you for the great job you are doing with the Sea Slug Forum. I am enjoying it tremendously and learning a lot about the slugs we are starting to find in Florida.
Linda

lindai@us.ibm.com

Ianniello, L., 2002 (Feb 14) Chromodoris binza & C. clenchi from Florida. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/6209

Dear Linda,
Thanks for these photos. They are colourful animals. I must say that after reading the scientific discussion on why these two 'species' are distinct, I still have my doubts. I can't see anything in the colour pattern, reproductive system or radular morphology which really shouts out "I'm different!" Usually when there are two species with very similar colour patterns we have been lucky enough to find at last one anatomical difference to 'prove' they are different. In this case it doesn't seem to be so easy.

This is the type of problem that can often be resolved by resident naturalists, like yourself, who visit the same places regularly and can keep an eye out for them. It would be good to know if they feed on the same or different sponges, or if their egg ribbons are different. If they are the same species, perhaps you can find them together mating? It may take a couple of years to get lucky and find them on their sponge food, or laying eggs, or mating, but when you do I would love to see a photo or two.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (Feb 14). Comment on Chromodoris binza & C. clenchi from Florida by Linda Ianniello. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/6209

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