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This species has been observed on Reunion and Madagascar Islands

Order : Nudibranchia Suborder : Euctenidiacea Superfamily : Polyceroidea Family : Polyceridae Distribution : Indo-West Pacific Maximal size : 20 mm Abundance : Seldom if ever on the fore reef zone Species characteristics : These small nudibranchs are very distinctly patterned translucent cream to grey with black/dark brown, orange and opaque white markings. Orange and opaque white markings are localised on the partial rhinophore sheaths, tips of the rhinophores, gills processes and tail.
	Showing species characteristics...	Photo Alain-Benoît Rassat Madagascar, Anemone 2, Nosy Be, 14 m, September 2012, size : 40 mm

See more about : Sightening and mating periods

Remarks :

Identification confirmed by Nathalie Yonow
    Synonymous (according worms) :
          - No other name

Bibliographic data :

The body pattern seems to be very variable :
          - The presence and importance of opaque white and orange markings are very variable on the partial rhinophore sheaths, tips of the rhinophores, gills processes and tail.
          - The black/dark brown coloration of the body is variable in form (dots and/or lines) and amount.
    The body is elongate, tapering to the tail
    Found on arborescent bryozoans in areas with strong currents

References :

Bill Rudman Seaslug site : Sea Slug Forum : Thecacera picta
    Nudipixel Thecacera picta

Publications :

Baba, K. (1972). Thecacera picta spec. nov. from Suruga Bay, Japan (Nudibranchia: Doridoidea: Polyceridae). The Veliger, 15(2) : 88-90

Other photos of Thecacera picta :

Alain Diringer Réunion, Saint Gilles, 22 m, December 2014,

If you have taken a photo of this species in Reunion, Mauritius, Mayotte, Madagascar and Seychelles Islands, please Contact us...