Petalifera ramosa from Brunswick Heads

December 19, 2003
From: Denis Riek


Dear Bill,
I have been snorkelling in the river for the last 3-4 months observing the marine life slowly returning [Brunswick Heads, nthn New South Wales,, Australia - see earlier message]. First the seaweed, then tunicates + small sponges, crinoids but no slugs. Then about a month ago they started to appear. Not just juveniles but all sizes. At the moment Dendrodoris fumata and D. denisoni are quite common while those that were common before have yet to appear. What amazes me is how quickly large individuals appeared as I really searched hard previously.

Although the range of species is low at the moment I have managed to sight 3 species I have not seen in the river before. Discodoris lilacina, Dolabrifera brazieri and Petalifera ramosa.


Petalifera ramosa were found on 10 December about 1/2km upriver opposite the trawler port, about 3-4 metres down the rockwall on rocks and high up in the long weed(Sargassum?). Observed several and they were all around 60-70 mm in length and beautiful little animals.

Regards
Denis Riek.

denisriek@hotmail.com

Riek, D., 2003 (Dec 19) Petalifera ramosa from Brunswick Heads. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/11703

Dear Denis,
Thanks for these photos of Petalifera ramosa. The photo of the head reminds me of that strange Australian relative of the sea horse, the Leafy Sea Dragon. It is also interesting seeing the photo alongside showing the extended branched papillae waving around in the current. In this photo they look quite like a soft coral colony. Perhaps this is a camouflage we have overlooked?
Best wishes
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2003 (Dec 19). Comment on Petalifera ramosa from Brunswick Heads by Denis Riek. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/11703

Factsheet

Petalifera ramosa

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