Phyllodesmium? from Hachijo Island, Japan

May 22, 2002
From: Shouichi Kato

Dear Bill,
Please see the attached picture. This rare and very beautiful Aeolid can be found on the side of rocky walls shallower than 10m.
20 - 30mm in size.

I want to know very much what this is.
Please advise. I have also sent a photo of a very similar looking aeolid in a separate message.

Regards,
S. Kato

regulus@edit.ne.jp

Kato, S., 2002 (May 22) Phyllodesmium? from Hachijo Island, Japan. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/6962

Dear Shouichi,
I at first thought this was the same as your other animal, which is what I am calling Phyllodesmium sp. 5, but as you say in your separate message, there are two obvious differences. In colour, this animal has white specks over the body while Phyllodesmium sp. 5 has a distinct pattern of white lines, and in this animal the rhinophores have small pointed white papillae all over them while in Phyllodesmium sp. 5 the rhinophores are quite smooth. At this stage I am guessing this is also a species of Phyllodesmium. I will temporarily call it Phyllodesmium sp. 6.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (May 22). Comment on Phyllodesmium? from Hachijo Island, Japan by Shouichi Kato. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/6962

Factsheet

Phyllodesmium sp. 6

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