More on Diaulula sandiegensis? from California
April 17, 2003
From: Ken Ashman
Note added 23 Sept 2005: Dendrodoris sp. 4 has been named D. behrensi.
Concerning my mystery dorid from California. I've been in contact with Sandra Millen of British Columbia University. She has been doing work on the slug in question, and said after looking at the photo that "the elongate shape, small mantle margin, posterior gill placement and trailing tail look a lot more like Dendrodoris #3 to me than a Dialaula sandiegensis." Hans Bertsch is working with Millen to name the animal, and suspects the same.
I understand this is the first Anacapa Island find for the slug. I am very happy to have even a tiny part in the work you are doing. The mystery of species identification is a significant piece of what draws me to u/w photography. I very much admire the work you all are doing.
Ken Ashman
California Digital Diving
kenashman@scubadiving.com
Dear Ken,
From the copies of emails I received last night from Hans Bertsch, Sandra Millen and Dave Behrens, your photo caused an immediate excitement. I agree that the points Sandra raises certainly suggest a Dendrodoris. In future it looks as though you may need to take a closer look at dark spotted dorids in the field to be sure of their identity. I have moved you animal to a temporary Dendrodoris sp. 4 Page.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman
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