Risbecia pulchella Ruppell & Leuchart, 1828

One of several very similar species of the genus, Risbecia, R. pulchella, is a long slender species, measuring to 11 cm. The genus can be recognized by the high body profile with a mantle edge that is well extended from the sides of the body. Usually found in pairs often with one animal following closely behind the other, members of this genus rhythmically raise and lower the head as they crawl. They also vibrate their gills.

The body coloration is white to tan with varying number of yellow spots. The rhinophores are dark red to purple and a line of similar color extends up each gill and around the edge of the mantle.

Because this species is one of several from a complex begging for considerable taxonomic revision, it is difficult to identify with any certainty its distribution, but species resembling the photo above are known from South Africa and Red Sea to the Arabian and Andaman Seas.

For many years, a detective with the Frankfurt police force, Helmut's hobby of underwater photography eventually evolved into a full time profession. Having dived all over the world, Helmut especially enjoys returning to the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific. His interest in the taxonomy of marine creatures has led to publication of regular articles and books of interest to Scientists and layman alike. The photo above is part of his most recent publication, Indo-Pacific Field Guide of Nudibranchs and Sea Snails, containing over 1000 photographs of marine snails taken in their natural habitat . The book excels in rarely seen behavioral aspects of marine sea slugs. For book ordering information. Send Helmut e-maill at IKANUW@aol.com

David W. Behrens Author: Pacific Coast Nudibranchs Co-Author Coral Reef Animals of the Indo Pacific Propriator of Sea Challengers Natural History Books Send Dave mail at seachalleng@earthlink.net

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