Pleurobranchus hilli from South Australia

April 9, 2007
From: Alexius Sutandio


Hello,

I just curious about this species. I already send this picture to Reefwatch and got information that the pictures are of a side gilled slug (pleurobranch). A bit like a giant nudibranch. But I need more information a little bit further about this species if available.

I took this pictures under Rapid Bay jetty on 31st December 2006 last
year. Depth 7.4 metres. Time 14.32 pm. Diameter about 20 cm. Water temperatures 17 degrees Celcius.

Locality: Under Rapid Bay Jetty, 7.4 metres, South Australia, Australia, Yankalilla Bay, 31 December 2006, Gravel bottom.. Length: 20 cm diameter. Photographer: Alexius Sutandio.

Thank you!
Regards,
Alexius Sutandio

axes23@yahoo.com

Sutandio, A., 2007 (Apr 9) Pleurobranchus hilli from South Australia. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/19707

Dear Alex,
This is indeed a side-gilled slug. In the photo alongside, you can see a brownish feather-like structure on the right, between the warty top of the animal and the foot. That is the pleurobranch gill which gives this group their name. Most species have a single gill on the right side of the body. Your animal, Pleurobranchus hilli, can grow to about 30 or 40 cm in length and is found in southern Australia from New South Wales around to South Australia and Western Australia. Have a look at the species Fact Sheet and the accompanying messages for more information and photos.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2007 (Apr 9). Comment on Pleurobranchus hilli from South Australia by Alexius Sutandio. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/19707

Factsheet

Pleurobranchus hilli

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