Haminoea alfredensis
Bartsch, 1915
Order: CEPHALASPIDEA
Superfamily: HAMINOEOIDEA
Family: Haminoeidae
DISTRIBUTION
Temperate South Africa
PHOTO
In the upper rock pools, Marsh Strand, 5 cm of water, near Haga-Haga, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 15 February 2002. Length: 16 mm. [lower photo is close up to show characteristic yellow spots]. Photos: Lindsay Warren.
Although Macnae (1962) considered there were at least 5 species of Haminoea commonly found in South Africa, Gosliner (1987) considered there were basically two. Both recognised H. alfredensis, but Gosliner considered the rest were variations on H. natalensis. The most significant anatomical difference is that H. alfredensis has a broad radular ribbon with about 40 teeth on each side of the midline, while H. natalensis has about 7 teeth in each half row.
The animals of temperate species of Haminoea all look quite similar in shape and colour. H. alfredensis is said to be characterised by its translucent greenish background colour and yellow spots.
References:
• Gosliner, T.M. (1987) Nudibranchs of Southern Africa, a guide to the Opisthobranchs of southern Africa. Sea Challengers, Monterey. 136pp.
• Macnae, W. (1962) Tectibranch Molluscs from Southern Africa. Annals of the Natal Museum, 15(16): 183-199.
Rudman, W.B., 2002 (July 25) Haminoea alfredensis Bartsch, 1915. [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/hamialfr
Related messages
Haminoea alfredensis from South Africa
July 28, 2002
From: Lindsay Warren
Dear Bill,
I thought you might like to have these photos of what I believe to be Haminoea alfredensis Bartsch, 1915 for the Forum as it doesn't seem to be included at the moment. I found it in 5 cm of water in the upper rock pools of Marsh Strand near Haga-Haga, Eastern Cape, South Africa, mid afternoon on 15 February 2002. One can see its yellow/orange spots quite clearly. Interestingly it had quite a 'forest' of algae growing on its shell and this with its own coloration makes it blend in very effectively with its surroundings. L: 16 mm. Photos: Lindsay Warren.
All the best
Lindsay Warren
alldcl@compuserve.com
Thanks Lindsay,
Growing Enteromorpha and other opportunistic green algae on their shells is something that quite often happens to species of Haminoea. Haminoea often lives in sheltered bays, and other places where these algae settle and grow. As well as feeding on the algae, Haminoea provides a nice clean shell on which the algae can settle and grow.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman
