Juvenile Notodoris gardineri

November 25, 2002
From: Bill Rudman

Following Marina's photos of Notodoris minor with black-tipped rhinophores, here are some photos of juvenile N. gardineri with black rhinophores.
These three photos were taken by Geoff Avern, over 3 years, at Heron Island, Queensland, Australia. They are of juvenile Notodoris which were found on their food sponge Pericharax. I assume that they are all Notodoris gardineri.

Upper right: 8mm long alive, 25 May 1981, AM C128157
Lower Left: 5mm long preserved, 6 Sept 1982, AM C135360.
Lower Right: 7m, 10mm long alive, 20 Jan. 1983, AM C137409. Photos: G. Avern.

It would appear from these photos, and other observations I have made, that N. gardineri starts life with a plain yellow body, and black rhinophores, then gradually develops a black colour pattern on its body, and at the same time loses the black pigmentation on the rhinophores. Marina's photos suggest N. minor may do the same.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (Nov 25) Juvenile Notodoris gardineri. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/8481

Factsheet

Notodoris gardineri

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