Another notaspid from Colombia

Dear Phanor,

Firstly, it seems that the right side of the mantle is damaged, as I think I can see part of the white gill which usually lies hidden below the mantle skirt.

The most distinctive feature of this species are the triangular white marks on some of the tubercles. You will note that those tubercles that have white triangular marks ae always a very dark brown colour. This gives the impression that the white marks are infact pointed white papillae. In Humann's book this species is identified as P. areolatus. As I discuss in your other message, I think P. areolatus is another species which lacks these white marks.

If this animal was from the Indo-West Pacific I would identify it as Pleurobranchus albiguttatus which I have found from east Africa to eastern Australia. It is not as common as Pleurobranchus peroni but is instantly recognisable by the white triangular marks. I have posted a page on P. albiguttatus from comparision. You won't find any references to this species in the literature because I think the name has not been used since Bergh's original description.

Until I get some feedback from others I will identify your animal as Pleurobranchus cf. abiguttatus but at least externally, I can find no obvious differences between it and the Indo-West Pacific species. This is a very intersting find.
Bets wishes,
Bill Rudman.