COMMENTS & OBSERVATIONS

During our dive here at Rose Bay on boxing day we photographed an Elysia species which we initially identified as Elysia hirasei. Not convinced this was a correct ID we unsuccessfully attempted to locate it on snorkel the following day to obtain additional photographs. A revisit to the site was necessary to locate the elusive species.

Wishing to beat the crowds we arrived at the beach early and entered the water on low tide at around 8.30 am. We headed out east and swam around over the reef, locating only a few species, but ones we have not recorded at this site before. After a couple of hours in warm shallow water we headed back in to locate the flat rock near to shore where we had observed the Elysia on our last dive. This rock seemed to hold more species of slugs than the rest of the reef. We not only located the species in question, but several others including a large (by comparison with the other Elysia) Elysia tomentosa. We exited the water just before midday, commenting that the best way to spend a hot summer day was blowing bubbles on the bottom of the ocean.

Taxonomic Diversity:
Seven of the twelve species sighted were nudibranchs, with 5 being dorids comprising 3 x phanerobranchs (non-retractile gill), 0 x porostome (suctorial feeder),  2 x cryptobranchs (retractable gill) and 2 were cladobranch comprising 2 x aeolids, 0 x dendronotinid, 0 x arminid. Four x sacoglossans and one x cephalaspidean (headshield slug) complete the species count. If diet is considered only 2 of the 12 species sighted were spongivores.

Our Historical data:
– We have now completed 4 surveys at Rose Bay since our first on 21/11/22. 
– We have now recorded 17 species at this site.
– It is too early to draw any conclusions regarding trends, species prevalence or abundance at this site however, this is the first time we have recorded Elysia marginata, Elysia tomentosa, Gymnodoris sp. 13, Gymnodoris sp. 25 or Hypselodoris maculosa on the Whitsundays.
– This survey was the first time we have recorded Jorunna funebris at this site.
– Our last survey at this site was on 29/12/23,

Guide to Symbols:
+++ New Species
+ First time sighted in Whitsundays
# Most commonly sighted at this site with %

TOTAL SPECIES SIGHTED: 12

DIVE IMAGES GALLERY

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