Lobiger sp. 1 undescribed in NSSI 2nd ed.

A member of the family Oxynoidae Stoliczka, 1868 it has an oval shell covering part of the body. This species is green with white spots, The shell lacks blue lines which differentiates it from Lobiger viridis. The rhinophores are rolled. The parapodial lobes are complicated with internal branches.

It feeds on the algae Caulerpa racemosa on shallow reefs. When disturbed it lengthens its lobes in a defense posture and can also shed them to deter predators.

Although undescribed, it ranges throughout the Indo-Pacific.

From May 10th to the 20th of May, I was fortunate to be a participant in what was billed as "THE FIFTH CITIZEN SCIENTIST NUDIBRANCH WORKSHOP " held at the Crystal Blue Dive Resort, Anilao, Batangas, Philippines. The event was hosted by moderator Dr. Terry Gosliner of the California Academy of Sciences. Jim Anderson from Scotland filled in as the data analyst compiling the many and I mean many images taken by the group on a day to day basis. Mike Bartick the GM at Crystal Blue Resort took care of logistics and made sure all participants left with fond memories!

More to come on this event in the coming weeks!

Michael Miller
Webmaster