Re: Plocamopherus from Philippines

May 28, 2009
From: Scott Johnson

Concerning message #884:

Hi Bill,

I noticed the reference to Plocamopherus sp. 1 in the recent discussion of Plocamopherus lucayensis [message #22479]. Plocamopherus sp. 1 appears to be the one named a couple of years back by Valles & Gosliner (2006) named Plocamopherus maculapodium. We have also run across one specimen here in the Marshall Islands. It was eating the bryozoan in two of the photos.

Locality: Kwajalein Atoll, 6 m, Marshall Islands, Pacific, 8 February 2009, Under rock on shallow lagoon reef. Length: 19 x 4 mm. Photographer: Jeanette & Scott Johnson.

• Valles, Y. & T.M. Gosliner. 2006. Shedding light onto the genera Kaloplocamus and Plocamopherus (Mollusca: Nudibranchia) with description of new species belonging to these unique bioluminescent dorids. The Veliger, 48: 178-205.

A few other pictures are on http://www.underwaterkwaj.com/nudi/phanerobranchs/e573.htm

Scott

uwkwaj@yahoo.com

Dear Scott,

Thanks for these photos. I must say I had not associated the photo of Plocamopherus sp. 1 with P. maculapodium, because in the original description the animal in their photo is quite red and Valles & Gosliner describe it as red. However your photos show the black or dark brown spots along the edge of the foot which gives this species its name [macula = spotted, podium = foot].

It is good to get confirmation that bryozoans are the preferred food of species of Plocamopherus.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2009 (May 28). Comment on Re: Plocamopherus from Philippines by Scott Johnson. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/22501

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