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Discodoris cebuensis
Images courtesy of Micael MillerAnilao, Batangas, Philippines
Screen Grab from Video
Discodoris cebuensis Bergh, 1877
Species of Discodoris have distinct, tentacular or conical oral tentacles. This species is named after the island of Cebu in the Philippines, its type locality.
Mike's specimen here is an interesting color variation, as specimens are usually lighter in color, being mottled brown, white and cream, with purple markings. The body of this species is relatively soft covered with conical tubercles. The rhinophores and gill are brown.
Like all members in this family, it feeds on sponges, under rubble on rocky substrates. Its geographic range is wide-spread throughout the Indo-Pacific.
New Braunfels, TX
Jul., 2023
Send Dave email at davidwbehrens@gmail.com
Washington to Texas
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Post production, I have received an interesting but contrarian opinion from Cory Pittman as to the identity of this week's subject. This one is a close call so Dave and I are going to leave it to the reader to assess the information given and form their own opinion to whether we are dealing with Discadoris cubensis or Asteronotus hepaticus (Cory). Cory's information and missive as to his ID Asteronotus hepaticus are as follows:
"...
The tubercles of the two species are quite different.
Here's a typical hepaticus:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/85738543
And, a hepaticus with atypical coloration similar to yours (perhaps, young?):
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/19307336
Meanwhile, we have cebuensis on our site:
http://seaslugsofhawaii.com/species/Discodoris-cebuensis-a.html
And, here's a cebuensis tubercle detail from i-nat:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/112228120
Looking at all the i-nat photos for cebuensis is confusing since there are probably a couple other species mixed in..."
Cory Pittman
Hawaii
Cory can be contacted at cory@cet.com
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 |
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