Hancockia sp. (undescribed) I am not aware of a single described species of Hancockia in the Indo-Pacific. With this new specimen we are up to four undescribed species in - Indo-Pacific Nudibranchs and Sea Slugs. A member of the Dendronotina, Hancockia are characterized by pulpit-like rhinophores, with a lobate sheath and a tapering club with a rounded end. Jim's critter here certainly matches that. Like Hancockia californica , from the west coast of the US, the lateral appendages (pseudo-cerata) are palmate shaped. This pretty little gem is quite distinctive with its white spotted frontal appendages, white marginal line on the foot and red body specks. A tinge of purple is seen at the tip of the lateral appendages and the tips of the rhinophoral sheath. Great find Jim - and you are correct - it will be in our next edition. Thanks |
Jim Black is retired from US Airways after 27 years as a pilot..., flying Captain on an Airbus 330 Internationally. Diving since 1970...with over 7000 dives logged. Shoots Nikon D-300 in Subal Housing with Ikelite strobes. Macro Mate on 105mm for supermacro. Jim's photography has been featured in a number of books and publications including Helmut Debelius' Nudibranchs and Sea Snails of Gosliner, Behrens and Williams Coral Reef Animals of the Indo-Pacific. A photo of Jim petting a shark in "Sleeping Shark Caves" off Isla Mujeres Island, Mexico, taken by Amy Foster his significant other, recently appeared in Dave Behrens' Diving Guide to Cozumel, Cancun & The Riviera Maja.
Jim has been a solid supporter of the Slug Site since day one. His countless contributions put him near the top of the list of photographers who have greatly expanded our knowledge of sea slugs. There are a lot of kids in the formative stage of their education who are getting their first introduction to our sea slug friends via the great photographs Jim and other contributors have made to the site. My hat is off to Jim for making this presentation possible!
Send Jim email at jim.black14@verizon.net
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