Author: Fahrner & Beck, 2000

Order: Nudibranchia  Family: Phyllidiidae

Maximum Size: 50 mm

Sightings: Sunshine Coast

_______________________________________________

Phyllidiella hageni Fahrner & Beck, 2000

Elongate-oval in shape. Light pink to red dorsum colour with four main longitudinal black lines between the distinct ridges. The central-most pair of black lines are located each side of the central ridge and are shorter than the outer-most pair and meet anterior to the dorsal anal papilla. These are often joined transversely several times. The outer-most pair of black lines run from anterior to the rhinophores, where they are joined, the full length of the dorsum where at the level of the anal papilla they digress medially and then laterally somewhat before reaching the posterior edge. The mantle carries a sub-marginal or marginal narrow black line. There are a number of short transverse black lines joining each outermost black line with the sub-marginal/marginal line. The authors advise that the pattern of black lines is variable. The tubercles are most usually distinct, simple, pink-based and white-tipped. Some may be surrounded by several quite small tubercles but only occasionally do they coalesce. The rhinophores are black apically and pink basally. The ventral surface of the foot is pale grey (sometimes pale pink) without any lines or markings.

Originally described from specimens collected from Indonesia. Also known from Papua New Guinea and now Southern Queensland, Australia.

David Mullins – August 2021

References:

– Gosliner, T. M., Valdés, Á. & Behrens, D. W. (2018). Nudibranch and Sea Slug Identification: Indo-Pacific – 2nd Ed. New World Publications, Jacksonville, Florida.