This species has been observed on Seychelles Island
Order : Nudibranchia
Suborder : Euctenidiacea
Superfamily : Phyllidioidea
Family : Phyllidiidae
Distribution : Thailande, Seychelles and Madagascar
Maximal size : 29 mm
Abundance :
Species characteristics :
It is white with three longitudinal black lines and black spots. There are two, low, white ridges running down the mid-dorsum and unite at the anus.
Tiny notal tubercles, supported only by a single vertical spicule, are scattered over the white dorsal areas.
The rhinophores are white.
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Showing species characteristics... |
Photo Christophe Mason-Parker
Seychelles, Baie Ternay, Mahe, 9 m, 1 March 2010,
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See more about : Sightening and mating periods
Remarks :
 Identification confirmed by Nathalie Yonow
Synonymous : (according Worms)
- No other name
Bibliographic data :
Other external morphology characteristics
Live specimens ranged in length from 10-29 mm and mean size was 14 mm.
Anteriorly, each white ridge continues over each of the rhinophoral pockets to the anterior margin of the mantle. Three narrow, longitudinal black lines run between the ridges and the white marginal area. Small black spots occur along the white marginal areas.
The rhinophores are white and each clavus possesses 12-14 lamellae (specimens greater than 15 mm).
Ventrally, the hyponotum is white with small black spots along its margin. The gills, foot and oral tentacles are white. There are small isolated, black spots along the side of the foot. The fused white oral tentacles are small with indistinct lateral grooves.
Etymology : The name for this species is derived from its type locally, the Phi Phi Islands, 48 km to the south east or Phuket, southern Thailand
Similar species
There are three other, small, longitudinally striped species of Phyllidiopsis but :
- Phyllidiopsis annae has three blue ridges and four black bands, but has black rhinophores and possesses blue coloration dorsally.
- Phyllidiopsis sphingis has three irregular white ridges which are usually separated, iridescent blue coloration to the mantle skirt and black rays extending from outer most black lines to the mantle edge.
- Phyllidiopsis xishaensis has three low white ridges and four black bands (2 white ridges and 3 black bands in P. phiphiensis), lemon yellow rhinophores, grey and black ventral colouration.
References :
Bill Rudman Seaslug site : Sea Slug Forum : Phyllidiopsis phiphiensis
Nudipixel Phyllidiopsis phiphiensis
Publications :
Brunckhorst,D.J.(1993). The systematics and phylogeny of Phyllidiid Nudibranchs (Doridoidea). Records of the Australian Museum, Supplement 16 : 1-107.
Other photos of Phyllidiopsis phiphiensis :
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