Author: Undescribed

Order: Nudibranchia  Family: Fionidae

Maximum Size: 20 mm

Sightings: Sunshine Coast

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Eubranchus sp. 10 Undescribed

A recent paper, Cunha et al, 2023, has described a new species of Eubranchus – Eubranchus putnami from the Maldives. This new species has a somewhat similar external appearance to our Eubranchus sp. 10. The image of Eubranchus putnami in the paper is poor and the description limited to confusing.

The authors of the paper state:

“Somehow similar-looking morphotypes have been reported …. and a molecular study of those throughout the distribution is required to further ascertain their status.”

In differentiating, our Eubranchus sp. 10:
– There is no subterminal orange ring on the cerata.
– The cerata bear brown spots.
– Each ceras has three rings of distinctive tubercles arranged along its length.
– White spots are randomly distributed on the rhinophores not limited to the tips.
– The lateral sides of the body are milky white and carry both brown and opaque white spots.

In view of the statement by the authors, the locality of the holotype and the differences we have noted above, our current name of Eubranchus sp. 10 for the specimens sighted on the Sunshine Coast will remain.

David A. Mullins – March 2023

References:
– Cunha, T. J., Fernández-Simón, J., Petrula, M., Giribet, G. & Moles, J. (2023) Photographic Checklist, DNA Barcoding, and New Species of Sea Slugs and Snails from the Faafu Atoll, Maldives (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia and Vetigastropoda). Diversity 2023, 15, 219.