ASK THE EXPERT?
Red-papulose Gymnodoris Gymnodoris rubropapulosa
One of the most outstanding Gymnodorids, Red-papulose Gymnodoris Gymnodoris rubropapulosa is a voracious predator feeding on other Nudibranchs which it swallows whole. It is very widespread and occurs form Africa to Japan, across Asian seas to Australia and into the South Pacific. Colours vary from bright orange spots to orange rings.
Living mostly in sandy habitats amongst rubble, they are well able to crawl up onto reef or jetty piles to locate prey. They home in on their prey by chemoreception and generally begin swallowing their prey from the rear as they chase it.
Although a lot of carnivorous opisthobranchs feeding on nudibranchs appear to be opportunistic, this species has been observed feeing on the genus Hypselodoris even when there were other nudibranchs in the immediate vicinity. Perhaps the smaller size and smooth shape make them easy targets.
Growing to 50mm this Red-Papulose Gymnodoris has chased down an Obscure Hypselodoris Hypselodoris obscura and is proceeding to swallow it from behind. (Milne Bay PNG)
(Photo Neville Coleman)
A full size Red-Papulose Gymnodoris has a death grip on this obscure Hypselodoris Hypselodoris abscura in 13 metres of water at Manta Ray Station in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea.
(Photo Neville Coleman)
The same happening a few minutes later, the prey has no chance of escape and will succumb in the belly of its predator.(Milne Bay PNG)
(Photo Neville Coleman)
Going, going gone! Almost completely swallowed, the entire time from capture to ungorged took only a few minutes. (Milne Bay PNG)
(Photo Neville Coleman)