This species has been observed on Madagascar Island
Order : Nudibranchia
Suborder : Euctenidiacea
Superfamily : Onchidoridoidea
Family :
Goniodorididae
Distribution : Western Pacific and Madagascar
Maximal size : 12 mm
Abundance :
Species characteristics : This species is described as having a white body, including white tentacular anterior foot corners and white dorso-lateral processes.
The oral tentacles have a white base but are primarily
reddish-brown or orange.
The gills are white with
reddish-brown or orange edging on the dorsal side.
The rhinophores clubs are similarly white with
reddish-brown or orange
at the tip and down the dorsal surface.
The posterior tip of the foot has blue-grey pigment with an occasional orange pigment spot
|
|
Showing species characteristics... |
Photo Alain-Benoît Rassat
Madagascar, Nosy bé, ledge, 20 m, 8 June 2016, size : 10 mm |
See more about : Sightening and mating periods
Remarks :
Identification confirmed by Hsini Lin
Like in other specimens an orange coloration is also visible in the tentacular anterior foot which did not corresponded to the original description
Synonymous : (according Worms)
- No other name
Bibliographic data :
The body shape is elongate and convex, without a distinct notal margin. The body is widest in the branchial region. The head is rounded anteriorly and the anterior foot margin is extended into elongate tentacles. The oral tentacles are relatively short and stout with a rounded apex. The posterior end of the foot is sharply tapered with a somewhat rounded posterior tip.
The non-retractile, perfoliate rhinophores are relatively short with 6–7 lamellae. The stalk and the apex are similar in thickness
The extra-rhinophoral appendages are relatively short, thin and have a curved apex.
The gill consists of three bipinnate branches.
The extra-branchial appendages are curved, about the same size as the extra-rhinophoral appendages.
Externally, this species most closely resembles Trapania aurata from Hong Kong and T. gibbera from Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Okinawa.
All three species have white bodies and orange or yellow pigment on the oral tentacles, the rhinophores and gill leaves and/or appendages but
- T. gibbera have a black line along the anterior end of the head, between the oral tentacles and light blue colouration on the tip of the foot.
- In T. aurata the yellow to orange markings are present on the foot, tentacles, extra-rhinophoral and extra-branchial appendages, while in T. vitta the orange or red markings are limited to the oral tentacles, rhinophores, gill and foot.
Etymology : The specific name vitta is from the Latin word meaning ‘ribbon' or ‘band' to describe the bands of orange or reddish brown colouration on the rhinophores and gill leaves
References :
Bill Rudman Seaslug site : Sea Slug Forum : Trapania vitta
Nudipixel Trapania vitta
Okinawa Seaslug Trapania vitta
Publications :
Gosliner, T.M. & Fahey, S.H. (2008) Systematics of Trapania (Mollusca: Nudibranchia: Goniodorididae) with descriptions of 16 new species Systematics and Biodiversity , 6 (1): 53-98
Other photos of Trapania vitta :
Alain-Benoît Rassat
Madagascar, Nosy bé, ledge, 20 m, 8 June 2016, size : 10 mm
Like in other specimens an orange coloration is also visible in the foot corner( a)
The gill consists of three bipinnate branches (b) |
.jpg) |
More photos from Indian Ocean
If you have taken a photo of this species in South West Indian Ocean, please Contact us...
|