Nudibranch from Ica, Peru

May 17, 2010
From: Andre Ampuero


Dear Bill:
I found this nudibranch in Ica. Peru. I have it preserved in ethanol. Sorry if I can't know at least the family, but I am starting to study these molluscs. I would appreciate very much if you could send me some information about this species.

Locality: National Reserve of San Fernando, 20, Ica, Peru, Pacific, 07 April 2010, dredged 16-20 m. Length: 30 - 35 mm. Photographer: Andre Ampuero.

Thanks for helping me.
Andre Ampuero

zero_2488@hotmail.com

Ampuero, A., 2010 (May 17) Nudibranch from Ica, Peru. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/23633

Dear Andre,

I am pretty sure this is Doris fontainei. Most of the photos on the Forum are of animals without the dark brown background colour, but Michael Schroedl in his various publications on the species mentions that it can have such a dark brown background. Have a look at the species fact Sheet and attached messages for further information.

This is an interesting biogeographical find because as Micheal Schroedl mentions in an earlier message [#8283], this species is well-known in southern South America but at present the only known record from as far north as Peru is from Independence Bay [see message #8071]. It is clearly a bit early to say but perhaps this dark brown background colouration will prove to be the usual colour form in animals from the northern part of the species' range.

I am afraid I can't give you a good genus name for the species. It has in recent years been Doris fontainei, Anisodoris fontainei and Archidoris fontainei, reflecting various revisions of higher classification. Unfortunately stability has not as yet been reached so I prefer to leave it as Doris fontainei at present.

If you are planning to study the Peruvian fauna you should obtain a copy of Michael Schroedl's Sea Slugs of Sth America. Considering how unknown the Peruvian fauna is, photos of any of your finds would be very welcome and valuable additions to the Forum.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2010 (May 17). Comment on Nudibranch from Ica, Peru by Andre Ampuero. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/23633

Factsheet

Doris fontainei

Related messages

  1. Doris fontainei from Tristan da Cunha
    From: Sue Scott, November 18, 2009
  2. Re: Peruvian dorid
    From: Michael Schroedl , October 26, 2002
  3. Re: Anisodoris from Peru
    From: Angel Valdes, October 26, 2002
  4. Concentration of dorids in Peru
    From: Jorge Luque, October 24, 2002
  5. Re: Dorid from Peru
    From: Bill Rudman, October 24, 2002

Show factsheet and all related messages