Goniobranchus tinctorius explained

Goniobranchus tinctorius is a species of colorful sea slug, a dorid nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Chromodorididae.^{[1] [2]}

Distribution

This species was described from the Red Sea. It also occurs in Oman.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Bouchet, P. (2012). Goniobranchus tinctorius. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species on 2012-05-07
2. Johnson R.F. & Gosliner T.M. (2012) Traditional taxonomic groupings mask evolutionary history: A molecular phylogeny and new classification of the chromodorid nudibranchs. PLoS ONE 7(4): e33479
3. Gosliner, T.M., Behrens, D.W. & Valdés, Á., 2018. Nudibranch and Sea Slug Identification – Indo-Pacific. New World Publications; 2nd Revised, Updated edition (1 November 2018) 452 pp.,, p. 141-143
4. Soong . G.Y. . Wilson . N.G. . Reimer . J.D. . 2020 . A species complex within the red-reticulate Goniobranchus Pease, 1866 (Nudibranchia: Doridina: Chromodorididae) . Marine Biodiversity . 50 . 25. 10.1007/s12526-020-01048-w .
5. Gosliner, T.M., Behrens, D.W. & Valdés, Á. (2008) Indo-Pacific Nudibranchs and seaslugs. A field guide to the world's most diverse fauna. Sea Challengers Natural History Books, Washington, 426 pp. page(s): 221
6. Rudman, W.B., 2000 (1 Nov). Comment on Chromodoris tinctoria from Oman by Gordon T. Smith. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. It has been reported widely in the tropical Indo-West Pacific but many of the records refer to Goniobranchus reticulatus, Goniobranchus alderi and similarly coloured, undescribed, species.^[3] Several of these have been shown to be distinct species by a DNA study.^[4]

   Description

   Goniobranchus tinctorius has a white mantle with an open reticulation of fine red lines. Towards the margin these lines coalesce into red spots and outside this region are isolated red spots and blotches. There is a broad white band followed by a narrow yellow band at the edge of the mantle. The gills are white with two red lines on the outer surface which converge at the tip. The rhinophores have white shafts and red clubs with white edges to the lamellae. The length of the body can vary between 15 mm and 95 mm.^[5]

   References