Opisthobranch of the Week is Trapania sp. 17

Trapania sp. 17

Images courtesy of Micael Miller
Anilao, Batangas, Philippines
Screen Grab from Video

Trapania sp. 17 (in NSSI 2nd Ed))

Species of Trapania have a pair of extrabranchial and extrarhinophoral appendages. NSSI second edition includes 20 undescribed species in this very large family. Most species are found on sponges where they are feeding on moss-like animals called ectoprocts, which are commensal with these sponges.

Drawing of an ectoproct colony by Dave Behrens

This species is opaque white with orange pigmentation on the extrabranchial and extrarhinophoral appendages. Mike's specimen here is missing the characteristic black patch on the notum. The head, rhinophores and oral tentacles are black. The gill is white.

So far it has been documented only from the Philippines.

Dave Behrens
New Braunfels, TX
Jul., 2023
Send Dave email at davidwbehrens@gmail.com

Dave and Peg in Texas motif prior to move from
Washington to Texas

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

From left to right, Terry Gosliner, Angel Valdes, Dave Behrens La Jolla, Calif.

Send Dave email at davidwbehrens@gmail.com