How an animal this large and this strikingly beautiful is still undescribed, is a mystery to me. Obviously the answer is that it is quite rare, and found today in only two localities, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.
We have dubbed this species Tambja sp. 3 in Indo-Pacific Nudibranchs and Sea Slugs, along with three other undescribed beauties of this genus. Much work is needed to sort out the relationships between the members of this largest genus under Nembrothinae. Like other members of the genera, it has well developed oral tentacles.
This species is similar to Tambja affinis, except that is has fewer longitudinal lines and has large green spots between the lines. The line denoting the edge of the dorsum is bright orange, also. Jim's photo here adds to our knowledge of the variation in color in this species. Note the yellow tinting at the tips of the gill, in the large specimen.
Although we know little about the biology of this species, enjoy some spectacular video Jim shot of this wonderful species. Click here to view John's footage in quicktime format. I wonder if the white arborescent bryozoans, behind the animals, is their prey species?
BEEN DIVING SINCE 1983 AND HAVE OVER 3500 DIVE LOGGED. I HAVE BEEN TO MOST EVERY WARM WATER DISTINATION. BORNEO , THAILAND,SOLOMONS,PNG,PHILLIPINES,RED SEA,INDONESIA,MEXICO,COSTA RICA. I HAVE DONE THE BIG ANIMALS EARLY ON BUT FIND IT MOST REWARDING TO GO ON TRIPS WITH RODGER STEENE AND NEVILLE COLEMAN AND FIND THE NEVER BEFORE SEEN LITTLE NUDI'S. MY FAVORITE PLACE IS MILNE BAY , PNG ON BOARD THE CHERTAN AND FROM THE TAWALI RESORT WHERE I HAVE A TIME SHARE HOUSE, BUT ANILOA ,PI IS ALSO A FAVORITE. IM MOSTLY SHOOTING HD MACRO VDO BUT DO STILLS ALSO AS A BACKUP. FROM SAME CAMCORDER. THIS PICTURE IS AT TAWALI WITH DIVE BUDDYS. LIVE AND LOVE THE OUTDOORS. LIVED IN RUNNING SPRINGS, CA FOR PAST 40 YEARS HAVE LIVED Send John email at mrjhon69@verizon.net Webmaster's Notes: John Greenamyer probably doesn't need an introduction to most sluggers. John has been contributing videos to the site for some time! In fact, the Tambja video above will be John's 71th presentation on the Slug Site! Pretty incredible when you think about it, to give up taking video of big guys to video our little friends which I believe is up to the challenge of taking video of the larger animals if you are fortunate to find any nowadays! John has been an inspiration along with Alan Grant for prompting my own entry into the world of High Definition Video back in 2006. I am very thankful for the guidance given by both and have never looked back! As the ol' saying goes, it just gets better and better (especially when you are looking at John's videos!).
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