 |
Polycera sp.
Photo courtesy of Ali Hermosillo
Komodos Islands, Indonesia
Oct. 2007
This undescribed species is one of 5 new species presented in Indo-Pacific Nudibranchs and Sea Slugs.
It is recognizable by its white body with interrupted black lines and orange pigment on the velar tentacles, rhinophores, gills and foot. If you aren’t careful, you could mistake this species for Thecacera picta as seen on Bill Rudman's Sea Slug forum which has similar coloration, but has two large extra-branchial appendages.
To date this species has only been observed in Indonesia. This specimen is about 12 mm in length. Like other species of Polycera , it feeds on arborescent bryozoans.
Gig Harbor, Washington
Jan., 2009
WEBMASTER'S NOTES : Nature isn't always what it appears to be and the above presentation is a good example of that fact! I was in the vicinity of Ali when she found this guy but wondered why she was spending so much time taking pictures of it. After she moved on, I took her position and began taking video of what appeared to be just another Thecacera picta . After looking through the viewer for a few seconds it was very obvious we were dealing with something other than a somewhat common T. picta .
Anyhow, live and learn as the ol' saying goes! Enjoy a short video of
Polycera sp. !
San Diego, Calif
Jan., 2009
Night Dive, Komodos
Oct. 2007
|
|
