IDENTITY CRISIS - Marine Life Identification - Neville Coleman

FROM Karen Willshaw LOCATION: Lion Rock, Cocos (Keeling) Islands
ID - Your shrimp is the short-head anemone shrimp Periclimenes brevicapalis which is found across the entire Indo-Pacific region and may be seen in a number of sea anemone species. The reason that yours has the same tail pattern but differs in the description you quoted is that the description is of a female shrimp (which has a distinctive white spot on the head area) and yours is a male of the species (which generally has an opaque white bar across the eyes).

FROM Larry Jackson LOCATION: Philippines
ID - FAMILY: Planoceridae COMMON NAME: Netted flatworm SCIENTIFIC NAME: Paraplanocera sp. REMARKS: This is the closest identification which can be deduced from current publications. Like many others, this family of flatworms is highly variable and it appears that several species may be translucent. ID depends on the arrangement of the cirrus (male penis), the reproductive anatomy and colour pattern once each species is determined by anatomical details. There are a pair of nuchal tentacles present over the ‘brain’ region (seen about one quarter way back from the scalloped front edge).

FROM Fenton Walsh, Cairns LOCATION: From 10m, Coral Sea
ID - FAMILY: Strahlaxiidae (mud lobsters) COMMON NAME: Red-spotted mud lobster SCIENTIFIC NAME: Strahlaxius sp. REMARKS: This is a species I am not familiar with, though I have one from Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef S. plectorhynchus (Strahl, 1861) which is similar with a white body and striped claws. These animals generally live beneath rocks on sand or in vertical burrows in mud, sand or holes in coral.

FROM Denise LOCATION: SS Yongala wreck shipping channel 13NM from Townsville, Australia
ID - The ‘lace coral’ is a bryozoan. In most cases a specimen is required to define identity on these organisms.

FROM Denise LOCATION: Between Rattlesnake and Herald Islands off Townsville, Australia
ID - FAMILY: Zephyrinidae COMMON NAME: Purple-tipped anolus SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Janolus sp. REMARKS: Congratulations, as far as I can determine you have the first record of it being found in Australia. The species is on page 104/12-13, 1001 NUDIBRANCHS and is mostly found only in Indonesia. These types of nudibranchs are thought to feed on bryozoans.

FROM Karen Cocos Island, Indian Ocean
ID - FAMILY: Palinuridae COMMON NAME: Painted rock lobster (juvenile) SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Panulirus versicolor. REMARKS: Well known across the Indo-Pacific region this species can grow up to 457 mm and is a spectacular when fully mature. It lives under ledges and table corals in reef lagoons and in caves along the face of dropoffs. It comes out at night to feed on molluscs. In many areas they are speared for food both by amateur and commercial interests.

FROM Chris Paporakis LOCATION: Irian Jaya, night dive at 10m, about 8cm long
ID - I’ve written up your fantastic critter and as far as I can determine it could be a new species. FAMILY: Polybranchidae COMMON NAME: Rosy cyerce SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Cyerce sp. REMARKS: These fragile slugs belong to the opisthobranchia (see page 117 1001 Nudibranchs and pages 133-134 ) of which nudibranchs belong – BUT they are not nudibranchs in the accepted terms of reference.There are many fantastic species, some of which are still awaiting to be scientifically described. There’s every chance your discovery is a new species as it has not been published in popular literature to my knowledge. Slugs belonging to this family are sap-suckers and feed on algae. Excellent discovery and pictures!

FROM Denise LOCATION: Between Rattlesnake and Herald Islands off Townsville, Australia
ID - The yellow stalked critter is a solitary sea squirt (ascidian).

FROM Denise LOCATION: Between Rattlesnake and Herald Islands off Townsville, Australia
ID - FAMILY: Rhinobatidae COMMON NAME: White-spotted shovelnose ray SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Rhynchobatus djiddensis. REMARKS: This large ray grows to around 300cm and is found across the Indo-Pacific and right around tropical Australia where it generally frequents sandy bottoms. Big ones like areas of current and are seen in 10 to 20 metres. Sometimes seen in groups.

FROM Wilt LOCATION: Indonesia
ID - FAMILY: Cassiopeidae COMMON NAME: Upside-down sea jelly SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Cassiopeia ‘andromeda’? (juvenile). REMARKS: The bell of this sea jelly is flat with mouth-arms below it on which there are protruding bladders (or flat discs on juveniles). These bladders are filled with tiny symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). It actually grows its own garden in its tissues and as algae need sunlight to grow, the sea jelly swims and lays upside down for this reason. It is able to grow and harvest its own food source. Sometimes commensal crabs and shrimps may be seen beneath it, or riding on it.

From Jan Brown LOCATION: The Pinnacle, Noosa
ID - FAMILY: Tylodinidae COMMON NAME: Small umbrella Shell SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Tylodina corticali REMARKS: Your little mollusc ranges from southern Queensland down the east coast of Australia to Vic, SA, and into south Western Australia. It also occurs at Lord Howe Island. It feeds on sponges and lays flattened coils of bright yellow eggs near or on its food source. The species is not thought to be common. See page 135 1001 Nudibranchs.

From Stephen & Takako LOCATION: Lembeh Strait, NthSulawesi, Indonesia
ID - FAMILY: Facelinidae COMMON NAME: Made-Up Phyllodesmium SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Phyllodesmium serratum REMARKS: Your pictures are excellent and though your slug appears to have a few more cerata than the ones on page 113 of 1001 Nudibranchs it appears to be this species. Yours is much smaller but appears very close to the above species. The made-up phyllodesmium is found from Japan and Okinawa down through the Asia/Indo-Pacific region to southern Australia. It feeds on the soft coral Clavularia flava.

FROM David Harasti LOCATION: Nelson Bay, NSW
ID - Your picture is stunning. FAMILY: Ovulidae COMMON NAME: Broad egg cowry SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Primovula platysia. REMARKS: Though this shell has been known from dredged specimens along the Queensland/New South Wales coastlines for many years it was not described until 1973. The first living photographs of the mollusc in situ (to my knowledge) were taken by Wally Rowlands off Dampier in the 1980's where it lived on the gorgonia Echinogorgia sp. The first cross-referenced shells and living mollusc together are published in 2002 Sea Shells. You have found it living on the gorgonia Euplexaura sp. which is a new record and as far as I know only the second time it has been photographed alive.

FROM Maree Kemp LOCATION: 9 km off Bunbury WA in 20 metres.
ID - FAMILY: Psolidae COMMON NAME: Cuvier’s Sea Cucumber SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Ceto cuvieri. REMARKS: Found from South Australia around to WA (where it is very common at some locations) this strange little sea cucumber ranges in colour from black through to white and is almost always found on sponges, hanging on with its tube feet. It grows to around 70 mm and feeds on plankton at night by protruding sticky tentacles from its mouth. The mouth tentacles are often mistaken for the gills of a nudibranch.

FROM Thomas, Germany LOCATION: Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea
ID - FAMILY: Chromodorididae COMMON NAME: Uncertain Hypselodoris SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Hypselodoris sp. REMARKS: Certainly I do not have this species in 1001 Nudibranchs though it appears very close to Hypselodoris regina (page 82/1) It's a beautiful animal and an excellent shot and I am not able to find it in any available publication.

FROM Thomas, Germany LOCATION: Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea
ID - FAMILY: Pseudocerotidae COMMON NAME: Linda's Flatworm SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Pseudoceros lindae REMARKS: This is an outstanding species which I discovered in 1981 at Milne Bay. There are hundreds of beautiful flatworms, many are still awaiting scientific description.  

FROM Thomas, Germany LOCATION: Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea
ID - FAMILY: Chromodoridae COMMON NAME: Girdled glossodoris SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Glossodoris cincta. REMARKS: You’ll find this species on page 77/ fig.9,10,11,12,13 of 1001 Nudibranchs. It ranges from the Red Sea to Japan to the east coast of Australia and out to at least Fiji Islands. It feeds on sponges and appears to be very widespread.

FROM Johan Bengtsson LOCATION: Jervis Bay, sand line dropoff at 8-10 metres
ID - Congratulations, for your whole team I doubt whether very many divers have ever seen this fish. As it was out of my range of knowledge I asked Rudie Kuiter to have a look at it. FAMILY: Congridae COMMON NAME: Botany Bay conger eel SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Ariosoma sp. REMARKS: Rudie Kuiter says it has not been determined to species yet as this type of eel only comes out and swims around at night and he needs to see what colour the anal fin is to determine what species it may be.

FROM Tilia Jaasma, the Netherlands LOCATION: Mindoro, Sabang Beach, Philippines
ID - FAMILY: Polyceridae COMMON NAME: Chamberlain’s nembrotha SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Nembrotha chamberlaini. REMARKS: This species is reported to be very common in the Philippines and although your specimen shows some variation to the usual colour combinations, the species pattern is still very prominent.

FROM Tilia Jaasma, the Netherlands LOCATION: Mindoro, Sabang Beach, Philippines
ID - FAMILY: Chromodorididae COMMON NAME: Reticulated Chromodoris SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Chromodoris 'reticulata'. REMARKS: There are a number of what appears to be different species in this complex. Yours certainly seems to be this species but it doesn't appear to have an orange border on the edge of the mantle so it could be undescribed.

FROM Tilia Jaasma, the Netherlands LOCATION: Mindoro, Sabang Beach, Philippines
ID - FAMILY: Chromodorididae COMMON NAME: Willan’s Chromodoris SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Chromodoris willani. REMARKS: This species is widespread from Japan to Vanuatu and can be distinguished from similar looking species by its speckled gills and rhinophores. Your photo is excellent.

FROM Tilia Jaasma, the Netherlands LOCATION: Mindoro, Sabang Beach, Philippines
ID - FAMILY: Chromodorididae COMMON NAME: Josh’s Chromodoris SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Chromodoris joshi. REMARKS: I have not yet found this nudibranch. It was described in 1998 and also occurs throughout Indonesia.

FROM Colin Marshall, Jakarta LOCATION: Lembeh Straits Sulawesi, 15m sandy bottom, 8cm
ID - FAMILY: Dorididae COMMON NAME: Blotched Platydoris SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Platydoris sp. REMARKS: This species is not known to me but it appears to have the characteristics of a Platydoris. Its size and nocturnal habits would also tend to imply this.

FROM Colin Marshall, Jakarta LOCATION: Lembeh Straits Sulawesi, 15m sandy bottom, 2cm
ID - FAMILY : Magidae COMMON NAME: Spider crab SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Hyastenus sp. REMARKS: As yet we’re still struggling with over 3000 pictures that will be contained in Indo-Pacific Crustaceans. Hundreds of specimens still need to be identified and hundreds of pictures still have a long way to go to determine identification. However, even though your crab is covered in transplanted anemones, it is a spider crab and appears to belong to this genus.

FROM Colin Marshall, Jakarta LOCATION: Lembeh Straits Sulawesi, 15m
ID - FAMILY: Gobidae COMMON NAME: Goby SCIENTIFIC NAMES: N/A REMARKS: Though this appears to be a goby there are very few gobies that I know of that sit out in the open at night. Unfortunately this specimen has its night colours switched on, so there is no indication by which identification can be made based on the colour pattern and as I am unfamiliar with this fish I wouldn’t be prepared to guess.

FROM Colin Marshall, Jakarta LOCATION: Tufi, PNG, 15m, 3cm
ID - FAMILY: Paethenopidae COMMON NAME: Elbow crab SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Platylambrus sp. REMARKS: This crab is generally only seen at night on sandy bottom. I’ve never seen one in this position before as its large heavy arms are not designed to negotiate reefy areas. Although they aren’t rare few divers ever see them during the day. Little is known of their habits. They are fairly common on Papua New Guinea muck dives in Milne Bay.

FROM David Harasti LOCATION: Nelson Bay Pipeline, NSW
ID - FAMILY: Eunicidae COMMON NAME: Sandworm or beachworm SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Eunice sp. REMARKS: Your species appears to belong to this family and quite possibly may even be this genus. However, as yet we are restricted in the identification of many worms due to there being little reference material cross-referenced with pictures in situ. Each worm must be collected, properly preserved and sent to an expert in the field of worm taxonomy.

FROM Leanne & David Atkinson LOCATION: Charlie's Reef west of Castaway Resort, Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
ID - FAMILY: Palaemonidae COMMON NAME: Short-capped shrimp SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Periclimenes brevicarpalis. REMARKS: This species is found from the Red Sea to Japan, throughout Indonesia and the Philippines to the Marshall Islands, down to the Maldives and northern Australia and out into the South Pacific. It is an associate of sea anemones, generally being found on the adhesive anemone Cryptodendrum adhaesivum. Your pic 1 is a female and your pic 2 is a male. As you can see there is distinctive sexual dichromatism and sexual dimorphism between the male and female, as in many species of shrimps.

FROM Stephen Woolcott LOCATION: George's wreck outside Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
ID - You can see a range of colour variations on page 32 of my Indo-Pacific Sea Fishes book. FAMILY: Scorpaenidae COMMON NAME: Leaf scorpionfish SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Taenianotus triacanthus. REMARKS: This species occurs over a wide range of the Indo-Pacific region from Japan to Hawaii to Papua New Guinea, northern Australia and the island groups of the South Pacific. It occurs in a range of colours including yellow, white, pink, red, purple, yellow and brown, brown and black and grows to around 10cm.

FROM Mark Gerlach LOCATION: Rottnest Island, Western Australia
ID - It is a Halgerda and Rottnest is certainly a brilliant place for diving and nudibranchs. FAMILY: Doridae COMMON NAME: 'Beautiful' Halgerda SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Halgerda 'formosa' REMARKS: Although your specimen shows a different organisation of black spots, it appears to have similar base colour and yellow gridding as H. formosa (page 58, 1001 Nudibranchs) as I have only ever seen a couple of these from Western Australia. I am not versed with how much colour variation there is in this species. However, yours does appear to be unique and could well be new. Congratulations, it's a great find!

FROM Alison Monkley LOCATION: Fly Point, Nelson Bay
ID - Many thanks for sending us your excellent behavioural shots. FAMILY: Polyceridae COMMON NAME: Lined Nembrotha SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Nembrotha lineolata. REMARKS: You’ve captured this nudibranch actually feeding on the solitary ascidian by everting its mouthparts into the ascidian and devouring the insides. Well done!

FROM Brad Loy LOCATION: 2.5m under Port Arlington Pier, Port Phillip Bay.
ID - FAMILY: Aglajidae COMMON NAME: Taronga Philinopsis SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Philinopsis taronga. REMARKS: Your image is brilliant for such a small creature and shows excellent features that I’d never noticed on my own shots taken in 1973. Congratulations.

FROM David LOCATION: Halifax Park, Port Stephens, NSW
ID - FAMILY: Echinasteridae COMMON NAME: Granular sea star SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Uniophora granifera. REMARKS: Your picture is excellent and easy to identify. This species is very variable and occurs in a number of habitats all along the southern Australian coastline. At one time there were thought to be 7 different species but modern taxonomists now recognise only 3 or 4. Yours is typical of the southeast coast, being bright orange. Some are orange with purple granules.

FROM Lyn Oceantrek LOCATION: Jervis Bay
ID - FAMILY: Dendrodorididae COMMON NAME: Gunnamatta Dendrodoris SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Dendrodoris gunnamatta. REMARKS: I’m quite sure you’re correct on this one. It was one of the first nudibranchs I ever photographed, though at the time I didn't think too highly of it – I wanted to find 'pretty ones". I’ve never found another! (page 87/1, 1001 Nudibranchs)

FROM Lyn Oceantrek LOCATION: Jervis Bay
ID - FAMILY: Pleurobranchidae COMMON NAME: Peron’s Pleurobranch SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Pleurobranchus peroni. REMARKS: Although this species varies a little between orange, yellow and red, it always has red circles, dots, spots or pustules. (see page 137/11,12,13,14,15, 1001 Nudibranchs.) In general they hide during the day and only come out at night when they forage for ascidians.

FROM Lyn Oceantrek LOCATION: Jervis Bay
ID - FAMILY: Aeolididae COMMON NAME: Southern Baeolidia SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Baeolidia australis. REMARKS: This is sometimes a hard one but your picture is so good there’s no doubt about it. (see page 115/14-15, 1001 Nudibranchs.) Yours appears similar in colour to my Kangaroo Island one than my Jervis Bay one, which seems odd, but they are variable – and mine were taken 26 years ago.

FROM David Harasti, NSW
ID - I’ve never seen this species before. I assume you found it out in the open? If you did and it had long feathery mouth tentacles and a very expandable body. FAMILY: Synaptidae COMMON NAME: Yellow sea cucumber SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Synapta sp. REMARKS: The body of your critter has a body ring system similar to this family. However, it also has a series of white knobs (perhaps spicule clusters similar to Chiridota sp. found under rocks, or tubercules ) which I’ve never seen on any synaptids.

FROM Karen LOCATION: Cocos Island
ID - FAMILY: Tetraodontidae COMMON NAME: Blue spotted pufferfish SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Arothron caeruleopunctatus. REMARKS: Found across the Asia/Indo-Pacific region, this species grows to around 70cm and generally occurs on outer reef slopes to 35m.

FROM Dave Harasti LOCATION: Jervis Bay
ID - This species must be very rare as I’ve only ever seen two specimens in all the years I dived New South Wales. The one pictured on page 52/6 1001 Nudibranchs (1978) was the only photo I managed; the specimen is in the Victorian Museum. FAMILY: Goniodorididae COMMON NAME: Black-tipped okenia SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Okenia sp. REMARKS: Although you have tracked down the species I think our readers would like to share with you just how fantastic this unusual critter is. It will save them spending five years looking. Your photo is excellent, it is not an easy slug to photograph.

FROM Maggie LOCATION: Papua New Guinea
ID - This nudibranch is very rarely seen because it is so well camouflaged in the wild and at the time of publication I did not have it for 1001 Nudibranchs but I have found it since production. Your pics and observations are excellent, congratulations. FAMILY: Chromodorididae COMMON NAME: Scallop edged ceratosoma SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Ceratosoma miamirana. REMARKS: It’s found from the Red Sea to the Maldives to Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Australia. Although this is a very wide-ranging species growing to around 80 millimetres, not many divers have seen it. Mine was from Papua New Guinea and it’s the only one I’ve ever seen. It sure is an extraordinary creature with magic colours and very unique edge to its mantle.

FROM Scott Tuason LOCATION: Philippines
ID - FAMILY: Facelinidae COMMON NAME: Xenia phyllodesmium SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Phyllodesmium sp. REMARKS: To my knowledge this species first turned up at Lembeh Straits Sulawesi where it was discovered in conjuction with the soft corals Xenis sp. Since then it has appeared to be quite common at Anilao in the Philippines where it’s being found on a regular basis by Alexis, one of the excellent dive guides at Club Ocellaris. PS FOR READERS: Scott has published a superb large format book on the Anilao area of the Philippines. This is a must for anyone with a love of the sea plus an interest in fantastic critters and exceptional imagery.

FROM Constancio ‘Stan’ de la Cruz LOCATION: Liloan Channel, Sogod Bay, Leyte Province, Philippines.
ID - Your photo is excellent and you are correct - your ‘critter’ is a side-gilled slug. (see 1001 Nudibranchs page 135/9-100) FAMILY: Pleurobranchidae COMMON NAME: Marten’s Berthella SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Berthella martensi REMARKS: Although your slug appears to be the reverse pattern of what is in the book, this species is extremely variable and some cases may be completely black. Since the book has been published we’ve found some of these dark coloured forms at Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea.

FROM Scott Bennett LOCATION: Puerto Galera
ID - What a brilliant image you’ve sent in. This species was only described in 1998. However, I can identify your slugs. FAMILY: Chromodorididae COMMON NAME: Josh’s Chromodoris SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Chromodoris joshi REMARKS: So far this species is only recorded from it's type locality (the Philippines) and Tulamben in Indonesia but I think once it becomes common knowledge it will turn up at other locations. On a recent trip to Batangas south of Manila, Philippines, we found several beautiful specimens.

FROM James Robins LOCATION: on a night dive in Jervis Bay (the Docks)
ID - Originally when you sent in this shot I hadn’t remembered photographing this little nudibranch in Jervis Bay and due to the cerata being so close together I wanted time to check all my records to determine if it was a common species or a new one. FAMILY: Facelinidae COMMON NAME: Serpent Pteraeolidia SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Pteraeolidia ianthina REMARKS: Your specimen is definitely a juvenile form of this species. Apparently the very small ones appear to have cerata much closer together and as they grow these are spread out more along the body. Although the adults can be blue, brown, purple or a mixture of several colours when they have various zooxanthellae living in their tissues, the juveniles are always white. However, the oral tentacles always have purple bands.

FROM Etsuko Nakanishi LOCATION: Tokyo area
ID - Thank you for sending us your images, they’re very interesting and just to make sure of details, I have sent them to Mr. Bob Burn, our nudibranch expert who checks things when we need collaboration and he has agreed with determinations as far as possible. FAMILY: Chromodorididae COMMON NAME: Burn’s Chromodoris SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Chromodoris burni. REMARKS: Your specimen is light blue on the back which is unusual. However, this species (as most) appears to be quite variable. (see 1001 Nudibranchs page 68/ 8-9). It ranges from Japan to the Great Barrier Reef and is not considered common.

FROM Etsuko Nakanishi LOCATION: Tokyo area
ID - FAMILY: Chromodorididae COMMON NAME: Caramel hypselodoris SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Hypselodoris cf. ‘maculosa’. REMARKS: This specimen appears to be similar to one I photographed from Lord Howe Island (1001 Nudibranchs, page 81/3-4). Your specimen is remarkable due to its clearly defined pattern. Most H. maculosa are very variable and the patterns seem blurred, but I’ve never seen a published version as well defined as yours.

FROM Etsuko Nakanishi LOCATION: Tokyo area
ID - FAMILY: Polyceridae COMMON NAME: Black-spotted Plocamopherus SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Plocamopherus ‘insignus’. REMARKS: This species appears to be quite rare and to my knowledge has only been published on two previous occasions. (see 1001 Nudibranchs, page 43/6-9) It could well be a new record for your area.

FROM Brad and Helen Loy LOCATION: Rye Pier, Victoria, open sand, water temp 12 degrees, approx 20mm
ID - PHYLUM: Polycladia. Yes, this one could well be an acotylean flatworm but I do not know it and there is little reference material on temperate water flatworms.

FROM Nunzio
ID - FAMILY: Volutidae COMMON NAME: Magnificent volute SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Cymbiola magnifica. REMARKS:( see page 135/6, 2002 Sea Shells). Found from south Queensland to Victoria, this species lives in and around reefs and is common in deeper offshore waters. It feeds on other molluscs (univalves and bivalves) and is generally nocturnal. It grows to 350mm and is endemic to Australia.

FROM Nunzio
ID - FAMILY: Chromodorididae COMMON NAME: Angas’s glossodoris SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Glossodoris angasi. REMARKS: Often confused with Glossodoris atromarginata, this interesting little species is certainly not as common. It appears to range from southern Queensland to Jervis Bay and is endemic to the east coast of Australia. It grows to 25mm.(see page 77/1-2, 1001 Nudibranchs).

FROM Scott Tuason, Philippines
ID - FAMILY: Dorididae COMMON NAME: Fried eggs hoplodoris SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Hoplodoris estreyado. REMARKS: Known from Lembeh Straits Sulawesi, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, this remarkable species will no doubt be found at other locations as well. It was only descibed in 1996.

FROM Scott Tuason, Philippines
ID - FAMILY: Facelinidae COMMON NAME: Bushy phyllodesmium SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Phyllodesmium briareum. REMARKS: Generally found feeding on the soft coral This species can be very common at some locations and is found from Okinawa to Malaysia, the Philippines, Palau and down into the South Pacific.Your shot is one of the best examples I’ve seen.

FROM Brad and Helen Loy LOCATION: Davey's Bay, Frankston, Victoria
ID - PHYLUM: Nemertia. Generally seen at night or late afternoons crawling over sandy bottoms, this large species (up to 2 metres) is a nemertean (ribbon worm). It is not uncommon but little is known about it.

FROM Etsuko Nakanishi LOCATION: Tokyo area
ID - FAMILY: Dorididae COMMON NAME: Orange Discodoris SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Discodoris sp. REMARKS: It’s very difficult to tell large Discodoris from large Platydoris unless one can see the surface textures. We think your specimens are Discodoris at this point in time. I assume these were taken at night and unfortunately both genera have nocturnal species. Many thanks for sharing your discoveries with us.

FROM Wilt
ID - It sure is an interesting species. FAMILY: Diazonidae COMMON NAME: Glorious ascidian SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Diazona sp. REMARKS: There is no doubt that this species must be one of the most intriguing and photogenic species of colonial ascidians. It’s known from the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Pacific. Sometimes seen on underhangs on reef slopes and on wrecks in calm waters. The ID is only a preliminary one, as there are few photographic records and this could well be an undescribed species.

FROM David Harasti, Nelson Bay, NSW LOCATION: Vietnam
ID - FAMILY: Ophidiasteridae COMMON NAME: Many-pored seastar SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Fromia milleporella. REMARKS: Generally uncommon, this species grows to around 60mm and is found across the Asia/Indo-Pacific region out into the South Pacific. This is one of the species that the harlequin shrimp often browses on.

FROM David Harasti, Nelson Bay, NSW LOCATION: Vietnam
ID - FAMILY: Ophidiasteridae COMMON NAME: Vietman seastar SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Nardoa sp. REMARKS: I haven’t seen this version before but it appears to be a Nardoa. The genera Nardoa and Gomophia are very close and difficult to determine without specimens or previously identified pictures.

FROM Steve Wong LOCATION: Derawan, at 3-5m depth
ID - FAMILY: Chromodorididae COMMON NAME: Blotched hypselodoris SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Hypselodoris sp. REMARKS: Your second pic does not have much colour so is difficult to determine. However, there is enough to provide a genetic reference.

FROM Jesper Rosenberg, Denmark LOCATION: Local site Batu Malang, 14m, Tioman Island, Malaysia
ID - FAMILY: Dorididae COMMON NAME: Pom pom taringa SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Taringa halgerda. REMARKS: A rather rare species which grows to around 25mm, this beautiful little nudibranch occurs on the Great Barrier Reef, in the Philippines and at Mabul, Borneo. Your image is a new record for the area as far as I can determine. It was only described in 1998. (see page 62/14, 1001 Nudibranchs). Your image is excellent and your species isn’t seen very often.