Chromodoris tinctoria (Ruppell and Leuckart, 1828)

Chromodoris tinctoria is a member of what we refer to as the Chromodoris reticulata complex (a group of about 4-5 closely related white chromodorid species all having some form of red reticulating pattern on their notum). A real beauty, as shown above in Mary Jane's photo, it can be distinguished from others in the complex by the yellow band around the margin of the dorsum and foot.

In our escapades around the Philippine Islands over the last couple of years we have found another beast to add to the group. It is because of this latest find that my colleagues feel the complex really could use a close look.

The geographical range for this critter extends from the Red Sea to Australia. Our photo here was taken of a fine specimen in Milne Bay, PNG, at a depth of about 30 feet. Specimens have been reported to 70 mm in length.

If you haven't added this species to your personal photo library, keep your eyes open on your next trip to the Indo-Pacific. It's big, it's red - You can't miss it.

Webmaster's Note: If you think this group is confusing enought at this point, consider a submission of yet another variation from Midway Atoll by John Hoover of Hawaii!

I have been on 65 dive trips around the world, but I keep coming back to PNG. I have done 15 liveaboard cruises in PNG since 1988, four this year on Tiata, my favorite dive boat. I chartered Tiata for the first time this year because I had so many friends who had been to PNG before and wanted return with a small group of compatible friends. The trip was such a success that I decided to charter two cruises in my favorite part of PNG, Milne Bay for prime season next year. Cruise Dates: Trip # 1 Feb. 23 - March 7 Trip # 2 March 9 - March 21 Eleven nights on board Tiata, 10 diving days Price of each cruise: $3800 (airfare not included) My price is $420 less than retail for 1999 eleven night cruises I will be on both trips. Maximum number of guests = 9 Number of cabins = 5 with bunk single or double bed Heads: Two shared by guests Crew of 5, the best in the world Number of pounds gained per trip: Too many, the food is fantastic Number of dives/day = generally 4 day dives + night dive, but with total diving freedom some divers will log more types of dives: Coral reefs and the famous muck dives Water temp this time of year: 82 F Camera lockers and charging station E-6 processing available Purpose of trip: To have fun. There is no special agenda, just the best diving in the world. I do not act as dive guide, but know the area fairly well and enjoy pointing out interesting critters to other divers Contact: Mary Jane Adams Tel: 626-355-8177 Send Mary Jane mail at mjadams@earthlink.net

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

© The Slug Site, Michael D. Miller 1998 All Rights Reserved.

---