 |
Chromodoris daphne
Image courtesy of Gary CobbSeventeen Reef Caloundra, Queensland, Australia
Canon G10 in Ikelite housing with one Inon Z220 strobe
Copyright 2011, Gary Cobb
Chromodoris daphne (Angus, 1864)
 |
A small chromodorid (up to 45 mm) with a limited distribution, Chromodoris daphne has only been reported from Southern Queensland and New South Wales, i.e. the southeastern coast of Australia.
There are a number of similar looking slugs found in the same area with red-spotted mantles and red-yellow margins however Chromodoris daphne can be identified from the following combination of coloured features. The mantle is a semi-translucent white, sometimes tending to cream, with numerous small red spots or speckles. It has yellow sub-marginal bands on both sides of its red mantle margin. The foot, which extends past the posterior edge of the mantle, is white without any other colouration and this can be considered a characteristic distinction from similarly coloured relatives. The rhinophores have a red clavus and a translucent white stalk. The simple gills are arranged in a circle around the anus and are uniformly red in colour. Defensive mantle glands, containing distasteful or poisonous substances metabolized from their food source, are distinctive sub-marginally. It has been observed that the further north this species is found the colours tend to be more vivid. The spirally laid egg ribbon is yellow in colour and the egg capsules are, relatively speaking, quite large and could indicate lecithotrophic development, which have a short planktonic stage. The prey of Chromodoris daphne is extremely specific, feeding exclusively upon the sponge Chelonaplysilla violacea. Other species that also feed upon this sponge have a somewhat similar colour pattern that has led to speculation of close phylogenetic relationships or complex aposematic mimicry. Chromodoris daphne has been found in both intertidal and subtidal habitats. |
REFERENCES:
Rudman, Sea Slug Forum, Australian Museum, Sydney.
Marshall & Willan 1999. Nudibranchs of Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, Backhuys Publishers.
Cobb & Willan 2006. Undersea Jewels, ABRS, Canberra.
Rudman & Bergquist 2007. A review of feeding specificity in the sponge-feeding Chromodorididae, Molluscan Research 27 (2): 60-88
Queensland, Australia
Aug., 2011
Gary Cobb and Dave Mullins
on location in Queensland, Australia
 |
NUDIBRANCH ID iPHONE APP A dedicated Nudibranch Identification Guide has been developed for the iPhone. Capitalizing on the popularity, ease of use and high-resolution touch screen of the iPhone, this innovative field guide does not require access to the carrier network or Internet. The first in this series of iPhone Apps, with 700 species of Nudibranch (Sea Slug) from the Central Indo-Pacific Region where marine diversity is at its greatest are represented with stunning photographs sourced from 50 underwater photographers from around the globe, has already been released and has proven extremely popular. Dedicated diver, underwater photographer and art director Gary Cobb of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia has devoted over 8 years to his passion for these amazingly diverse and alluring creatures. I wanted to tackle the challenge of adding to our Nudibranch research and website by way of the new iPhone App technology but also expanding our finds to cover the entire World Gary said. In this way exceptional field guides are produced whereby the user can check off species and create their own lists. He and David Mullins dive up to 4 times a week, weather permitting, and have catalogued in their local area, 466 species. First I had to learn how to build with this new iPhone App technology, and then contact the photographers to request permission to use their images. The result was overwhelming. For people who appreciate these creatures the App couldn't come soon enough.
Photographers who have donated their images are acknowledged on the Info page and on all photos. The second App in the series is under development and soon marine scientists, naturalists, students, divers and the world-wide community of Nudibranch enthusiasts will be able to view 426 species that live in the East Pacific region from Alaska to the tip of Chile.
|
 |
Features of the East Pacific App: 1. Nudibranch Facts - Information about Nudibranchs, what they are and what makes them so interesting and unique in the underwater world. 2. Species - An alphabetical listing of 427 species of Nudibranch to be found in the East Pacific Region in a scrollable index that provides access to individual species pages containing a large photo and information about the selected species.
|
4. Images - The Images Gallery is a scrollable screen of Nudibranch thumbnails. They are presented 4 across the screen providing 24 "at a glance" images.
5. Search - Full search ability. The search capability of this App is both convenient and comprehensive. The search is species centric displaying a list of Species in response to the search input based upon any of Order, Family, Genus, Author, Date, Size, Color, Checked off species or even just a Species name.
6. Information - About the App and tips on how to get the most out it as well as tips on getting the best search and acknowledgments.
7. The ability to check (tick) off Species and to be able to email the List.
8. Navigation around the App is extremely fast, logical and intuitive.
The East Pacific App is a stand alone Application built for the Apple iPhone and does not require an Internet connection. It will be purchased for $8.99 from the iTunes App store when completed.
The photographers name will be placed on the Photo and name in the Contributing Photographers list of the Info view plus a Free App. The list of photos still needed is about 100. Nearly there. Lores photos are fine minimum size is 400x400 pixels. Photos must show the entire animal and be of good clarity. Also some screen shots to choose from.
 |
East Pacific Species photos still needed:
Aeolidia collaris Gary is currently working on Four (4) new Nudibranch ID Apps which together will cover the entire world. For more information see the Nudibranch ID App website at www.inudibranch.com |
 |
The 12 Annual San Diego UnderSea Film Exhibition is set for Friday and Saturday evenings, September 9 and 10, 2011 7:00 pm at Irwin M Jacobs' Qualcomm Hall. Thirty-two short underwater films, produced by leading professional and amateur videographers from around the world, will be highlighted at the 12 Annual San Diego UnderSea Film Exhibition in Irwin M Jacobs' Qualcomm Hall big screen auditorium! Starting at 7:00 pm, each evening will feature 16 different films, most in high definition, limited to 5 minutes each of fast-paced action. A state-of-the-art digital projection system will bring the world beneath the surface to the eyes of the audience. This exhibition is unique because there are no entry fees and no prizes, except for the prestige of having a film chosen. An independent panel of three distinguished judges will select the best films among many international entries. Each year the bar is raised in terms of quality and excitement. From the kelp forests of California to the coral islands of Indonesia, from the sperm whales of the Caribbean to the mantas of the Maldives, there will be something for everybody. Also shown for the first time will be the winner of Capture the World, an international video competition. Tickets are available for $15 per evening online at SDUFEX . SDUFEX is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. A portion of the proceeds will go to Birch Aquarium , San Diego Coastkeeper, and the Chula Vista Nature Center. Previous shows have been sellouts, so get your tickets early. A limited number of tickets may be available at the gate. Seating is open, and doors open 30 minutes prior to the show. Parking is free on the Qualcomm campus. Further information is available online at www.sdufex.com. Contact information: Pete Fowler, Mary Lynn Price , or Eric Hanauer . |
A Film Trailer of the forthcoming event is now up on YOU Tube !
Send Pete email at pfowler@cox.net
Send Mary Lynn email at mlprice@san.rr.com
Send Eric email at cubs4vr@gmail.com
|
