Author: Undescribed

Order: Cephalaspidea  Family: Aglajidae

Maximum Size: 6 mm

Sightings: Milne Bay, PNG

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This is the Niparaya sp. 2 of NSSI, 2018.

Most Niparaya species tend to be white and brown in colour often with some spotting, the colour scheme helping to disguise them in the silt/sand habitat wherein they live. The smallest difference in colouration and pattern is taken by some to indicate a different species leading to the creation of an absurd list of undescribed “species”.

Niparaya sp. 12 is distinctively patterned and cannot be confused with others of the genus. Body shape is more elongated compared to most of the “stumpy” looking Niparaya. The posterior lobe of the headshield is small in comparison to most of its relatives and is usually carried flat against the body. The body surface is smooth and terminates in two short and tapered caudal lobes or “tails” of equal length. Colour is black and cream-white with a trim of orange stripes. The patterning is usually consistent but the ratio of black to cream-white varies.

A very active species believed to feed upon acoel flatworms.

David A. Mullins – May 2025

References:
– Gosliner, T. M., Valde ́s, A ́. & Behrens, D. W. (2018). Nudibranch & Sea Slug Identification – Indo-Pacific, 2nd Edition. New World Publications, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.