Mexichromis similaris explained

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

Distribution

This nudibranch is found in the tropical Western Pacific Ocean.^[3]

Description

Mexichromis similaris has a pale-lilac or violet body, with pale-orange gills and rhinophores. The mantle is edged with a white band, and there is a long white line running down its dorsum. This species is easily confused with other similarly coloured nudibranchs, especially Hypselodoris shimodaensis and Mexichromis trilineata.^{[4] [5] [6]}

This nudibranch can reach a total length of at least 14 mm, and like all Chromodorids, feeds on sponges.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Bouchet, P. (2012). Mexichromis similaris. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at on 2012-05-28
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., 1999 (August 13) Durvilledoris similaris Rudman, 1986. [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney.
4. Rudman W.B. (1990) The Chromodorididae (Opisthobranchia: Mollusca) of the Indo-West Pacific: further species of Glossodoris, Thorunna and the Chromodoris aureomarginata colour group. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 100: 263-326 page(s): 287
5. Debelius, H. & Kuiter, R.H. (2007) Nudibranchs of the world. ConchBooks, Frankfurt, 360 pp. page(s): 201
6. 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): 256
7. Rudman W.B. & Bergquist, P.R., 2007. "A review of feeding specificity in the sponge-feeding Chromodorididae (Nudibranchia: Mollusca). Molluscan Research 27(2): 60–88.