Plocamopherus ocellatus from Iran [1]

Dear Mahdi,

This is Plocamopherus ocellatus. This rarely reported species was one of the earliest species described from the Indian Ocean. It was first found in the Red Sea and named in 1828. Since then there have been few reported sightings. Strangely, we only have records on the Forum of animals reported from Mediterranean waters [see Lessepsian migration]. Your photos are our first record from the Indian Ocean.

In some species of Plocamopherus [see P. ceylonicus] the large papillae on each side of the body have a large rounded tip - often pink or brown - which luminesces when the animal is startled. I have included a close-up showing a similar tip in your animals - though not has swollen.

I have also added a close-up showing a Y - shaped mark on the back behind the gills. This is equivalent to the edge of the mantle skirt found in many dorid nudibranchs.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman