Goniobranchus tasmaniensis explained

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

Distribution

This species was described from Tasmania, Australia. It is one of a group of similar red-spotted chromodorids from south-eastern Australia which form a mimicry ring.^{[3] [4]}

Description

Goniobranchus tasmaniensis is a chromodorid nudibranch which has a translucent white mantle with scattered orange or red spots. The edge of the mantle is opaque white and somewhat swollen and ruffled in resting animals.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Gofas, S. (2015). Goniobranchus tasmaniensis (Bergh, 1905). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species on 2015-03-26
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. Rudman, W.B. (1991) Purpose in Pattern: the evolution of colour in chromodorid nudibranchs. Journal of Molluscan Studies, 57, (T.E. Thompson Memorial Issue): 5-21.
4. Rudman W.B. (1983) The Chromodorididae (Opisthobranchia: Mollusca) of the Indo-West Pacific: Chromodoris splendida, C. aspersa and Hypselodoris placida colour groups. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 78: 105-173. page(s): 114
5. Debelius, H. & Kuiter, R.H. (2007) Nudibranchs of the world. ConchBooks, Frankfurt, 360 pp. page(s): 156
6. Rudman, W.B., 1999 (June 1) Chromodoris tasmaniensis (Bergh, 1905). [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Compare with Goniobranchus splendidus, Goniobranchus hunterae and Goniobranchus daphne which all have similar coloration.^[5]

   Ecology

   This species feeds on the sponge Darwinella gardineri.

   References