Unidentia angelvaldesi

Here is a picture taken at the Goldcoast Seaway, 27/5/2015, at 16:10 hrs, depth 3 metres. Aeolid nudibranchs are not extremely common at this site. Due to currents, boat wash and heavy silt loading and fishing line infestation of the water, as well as a rugged underwater topography taking lovely pictures can be a challenge. The average size of branchs at this site is rather small, and cerata moving all over the place don't help with underwater photography and documentation. So, I was glad that next to a couple of smaller sized individuals on moving hydroids this massive 18mm animal needed no encouragement to pose for a portrait on a sandy slope. Current was minimal and made this lucky shot possible.<br />
It is probably fair to put this animal into the dump taxon Unidentia angelvaldesi because of the smooth rhinophores combined with the purple/pink/red mid-dorsal line. However, some important characters of the original description are missing and I would certainly not insist on the ID to be true, having it on the watch list to become Unidentia sp. 1 myself. The feature that stands out for me is the single thick and bulbuous ceras in the middle of the animal's body. It could be a genetical anomaly which are common near decaying batteries often found in this area.<br />
Anyway: we need more competent and cooperative branch taxonomists that support Amateur Branching in Australia, less toxic waste dumping and less dump taxons!

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Here is a picture taken at the Goldcoast Seaway, 27/5/2015, at 16:10 hrs, depth 3 metres. Aeolid nudibranchs are not extremely common at this site. Due to currents, boat wash and heavy silt loading and fishing line infestation of the water, as well as a rugged underwater topography taking lovely pictures can be a challenge. The average size of branchs at this site is rather small, and cerata moving all over the place don't help with underwater photography and documentation. So, I was glad that next to a couple of smaller sized individuals on moving hydroids this massive 18mm animal needed no encouragement to pose for a portrait on a sandy slope. Current was minimal and made this lucky shot possible.
It is probably fair to put this animal into the dump taxon Unidentia angelvaldesi because of the smooth rhinophores combined with the purple/pink/red mid-dorsal line. However, some important characters of the original description are missing and I would certainly not insist on the ID to be true, having it on the watch list to become Unidentia sp. 1 myself. The feature that stands out for me is the single thick and bulbuous ceras in the middle of the animal's body. It could be a genetical anomaly which are common near decaying batteries often found in this area.
Anyway: we need more competent and cooperative branch taxonomists that support Amateur Branching in Australia, less toxic waste dumping and less dump taxons!

Aeolidida Aeolidioidea Cladobranchia Dexiarchia Gallery Heterobranchia Nudibranchia Opisthobranchia Unidentia Unidentia angelvaldesi Unidentiidae