Hypselodoris cf. emma
Order: NUDIBRANCHIA
Suborder: DORIDINA
Superfamily: EUDORIDOIDEA
Family: Chromodorididae
DISTRIBUTION
Western Australia
PHOTO
Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth, West Australia. 15m, 'Labyrinth dive site', March 2000. PHOTO: Jean-Paul Koninx.
See Wells & Bryce, 1993 Sea Slugs of Western Australia [Chromodoris sp.(#159)].
This 'species' or 'colour form' is closely related to Hypselodoris emma. It differs in having a broad reddish median band on the mantle rather than the lines of H. emma but in all other features, including anatomy, it is very similar to H. emma. The background yellow, the purple edge to the mantle, the gills and rhinophores and even the reddish band that joins the two rhinophore pockets together are the same.
Authorship detailsRudman, W.B., 2000 (May 3) Hypselodoris cf. emma [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/hypscfem
Related messages
Hypselodoris from Ningaloo Reef, WA
May 6, 2000
From: Jean-Paul Koninx
Dear Bill,
Here is another photograph from our recent dive trip to the Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth, West Australia.
It was taken at 15m,'Labyrinth', March 28, 2000. It is identified 'Sea Slugs of WA' as a Chromodoris sp. (#159) with limited records in WA, so this would be another one.
Thanks!
Jean-Paul Koninx
koninx@ozemail.com.au
Koninx, J-P, 2000 (May 6) Hypselodoris from Ningaloo Reef, WA. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/2343Dear Jean-Paul,
I think this is another of those peculiarities which seem to be found in Western Australia. I think this 'species' or 'colour form' is closely related to Hypselodoris emma. I know that it may stretch credulity to compare a species with red lines down its back with one with a large reddish band, but in all other features, including anatomy, this animal is very similar to H. emma. The background yellow, the purple edge to the mantle, the gills and rhinophores and even the reddish band that joins the two rhinophore pockets together are the same. I will try and find a photo showing its head to include on the Forum.
All I can say is the jury is still out on this one but your record is a useful addition to our knowledge.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.
