Samla cf. bicolor   ( Kelaart, 1858 )

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This species has been observed on Reunion Island


Order : Nudibranchia
Suborder : Dexiarchia
Superfamily : Flabellinoidea
Family : Samlidae
Distribution : Reunion
Maximal size : 10 mm
Abundance :


Species characteristics :

The general body colour is translucent white or bluish white with tiny dots of opaque white pigment present over most of the dorsum.

A large vivid orange ring is present at the base of each cerata.

Long paddle-shaped oral tentacles are present.

White papillate rhinophores like in Samla bicolor

Samia  cf bicolor
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Photo Christophe Cadet
Réunion, Etang sale on the rocky coast, less 1 m, 7 March 2011, size : 10 mm

Remarks :

Identification proposed by Nathalie Yonow.
    May be an undescribed variant of S. bicolor or may be a new species...

Bibliographic data :

     It looks like Samla bicolor but :
              -
S. bicolor has vivid orange spot, or complete (most often), or incomplete narrow orange ring subapically on each cerata.

Other photos of Samla cf. bicolor :



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