Author: Undescribed

Order: Nudibranchia  Family: Chromodorididae

Maximum Size: 30 mm

Sightings: Sunshine Coast

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Goniobranchus sp. 12 Undescribed

This species was originally thought to be Goniobranchus daphne. A review post-dive of the image however showed it to be different to that fairly common species (in this region) in a couple of important aspects.

– The mantle margin is made up of four coloured bands, starting from the outside: white – red/black – blue/purple – yellow. (See zoomed composite comparative image comparing the mantle bands of both species.)

Above: Comparison of the mantle margin bands. Left: Goniobranchus sp. 12. Right: Goniobranchus daphne, crop of image taken on same dive by Harvey Braun.

– The notum has multicoloured spots: brown, red, orange and yellow with some being quite streaky. (See composite comparative image of notal spotting below.)

Above: Comparison of notal spots: Left: Goniobranchus sp. 12. Right: Goniobranchus daphne, crop of image taken on same dive by Harvey Braun.

Unfortunately the gill was not expanded.

David A Mullins – November 2024