Diaulula sp 1

Image courtesy of Michael Miller
Photo taken in front of Dive Paradise, Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia, circa 2000
Nikon F3, 60mm macro lens, film

Diaulula sandiegensis photo taken by Webmaster
Off California coast many years ago

Diaulula sp 1. (undescribed) We don't know much about this undescribed species, and in fact haven't seen it in awhile. Curious too, as this critter is pretty obvious against a black sand bottom. Its mantle is white with large brown symmetrical marking arranged along the edge of the notum, with more oval patches down the center line. The rhinophoral club is dark brown as seen here, while the tips of the gill branches are lighter. The texture of the notum is due to its microscopic organs called caryophyllidia, which are made up of spicules surrounding a central knob covered with cilia. The function of these organs is still unknown, but gives the animal a fuzzy appearance. This tropical Indonesian species looks very similar to the temperate eastern Pacific species - Diaulula sandiegensis (seen at left), found from Mexico to Alaska.

From left to right, Terry Gosliner, Angel Valdes, Dave Behrens La Jolla, Calif. Send Dave email at davidwbehrens@gmail.com

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