Thordisa oliva Chan and Gosliner, 2006 The veliger 48(4) : 284-308

Thordisa oliva Chan and Gosliner, 2007

This species has been observed on Reunion Island

Order : Nudibranchia
Suborder : Euctenidiacea
Superfamily : Doridoidea
Family : Discodorididae
Distribution : South Africa, Japan and Mayotte
Maximal size : 20 mm
Abundance : Seldom if ever on the rocky coast

Species characteristics :

The dark green to dark brown notum bears tan colored, straight, conical, papillae and rounded tubercles. The longest papillae are concentrated in the middle of the dorsum.

The rhinophores and gill are opaque white.

Showing species characteristics...

Photo Christophe Cadet
Reunion, Etang salé on the rocky coast, less 1 m, 20 September 2009, size : 15-20 mm

See more about : Sightening and mating periods

Remarks :

Identification confirmed by Terry Gosliner
Synonymous : (according Worms)
- No other name

Bibliographic data :

The body of the living animal is oval with a low profile. The length is approximately one and a half times the width.
    The six gill leaves are tripinnate and do not extend beyond the edge of the notum. They are completely retractile and surrounded by a low, even sheath.
    The rhinophores are perfoliate with 10 lamellae each. The rhinophoral sheath is even except for two curved tubercles protruding from the edge at opposing ends of the rhinophores
    The oral tentacles are digitiform and do not extend beyond the margin of the foot
    Usually found in shallow water on patch reefs.
    Etymology: The name oliva is the Latin word for ‘‘olive'' or ‘‘olive tree,'' it is used to describe the olive green color of the mantle.

References :

Nudipixel Thordisa oliva

Publications :

Chan,J.M. and Gosliner,T.M. (2007) Preliminary Phylogeny of Thordisa (Nudibranchia : Discodoridadea) with descriptions of five new species. The veliger 48(4) : 284-308.

Other photos of Thordisa oliva :