First Pleurobranchus hilli from Western Australia

November 2, 2005
From: Chris Cunnold


Dear Bill,

I have seen these on several occasions at night at his site now. As well as the two colour varations pictured I have seen them a much darker maroon colour (almost black) and also pink. Are they Pleurobranchus peroni? The size of these ones makes me doubtful as references to them describe them less than half the size of these.

Locality: Cockburn Sound, southern Western.Australia. Indian Ocean. Depth: 6 m. Length: 200 mm. 3 October 2004. rock/rubble/sand . Photographer: Chris Cunnold

Regards,
Chris

cunnold@iinet.net.au

Cunnold, C., 2005 (Nov 2) First Pleurobranchus hilli from Western Australia. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15152

Dear Chris,
They are almost certainly Pleurobranchus hilli, which is a large species growing to about twice the size of your animals. The shape of the papillae and the range in colour fit that species. It is a valuable observation, because I am pretty sure this species has only been reported from New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia previously. It is therefore not surprising to find it in south-western Australia, but nice to have some proof.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2005 (Nov 2). Comment on First Pleurobranchus hilli from Western Australia by Chris Cunnold. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15152

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Pleurobranchus hilli

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