Author: Jensen, 1993

Order: Sacoglossa  Family: Plakobranchidae

Maximum Size: 10 mm

Sightings: Whitsundays

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This species was recorded during a shallow shore dive at Horseshoe Bay, Bowen, North Queensland on 26/10/2023. Its finding and identification has caused us to realize that the species we were calling Elysia thompsoni is not that species. That species is now listed as Elysia sp. 35 on this website. (Change effected 03/11/2023)

Elysia thompsoni was originally described from Rottnest Island, Western Australia, and it is from Western Australia that most sightings are recorded. However it has also been recorded further afield including the Gulf of Thailand and Milne Bay PNG. Our sighting considerably extends its known range.

The specimens recorded by us were small at 3 mm in length. They exhibit the large rhinophores tipped in purple, three distinct parapodial undulations that are edged in purple, vivid green colouration inside the parapodia, body with papillae tipped in white, numerous black spots on the body and a general light green colouration.

David A. Mullins – November 2023

References:
– Wells, F. E. & Bryce, C. W. (2000). Sea Slugs of Western Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.
– Gosliner, T. M., Valde ́s, A ́. & Behrens, D. W. (2018). Nudibranch & Sea Slug Identification – Indo-Pacific, 2nd Edition. New World Publications, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.