species: Goniobranchus sp. 3 in taxonomy (Lizard Island Field Guide)
Goniobranchus sp. 3


©Brogan Mancell: Goniobranchus sp. 3 about 8 cm long at Clam Garden, Lizard Island, 13 Sep 2019.

©Brogan Mancell: Goniobranchus sp. 3 at Clam Garden, Lizard Island, 5 Sep 2019.
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Mollusca
Class Gastropoda
Order Nudibranchia
Family Chromodorididae
Genus Goniobranchus
Species Goniobranchus sp. 3

Colours

                   

Distinguishing features

Dark red and white reticulated pattern covers most of dorsal surface, surrounded by a white band and an orange margin. Rhinophores orange with white base. Gills orange. Foot white with an orange margin. Dorsal surface of mantle covered with spaced, small bumps.

This is part of the Goniobranchus tinctorius group. That species is now thought to be restricted to the Red Sea but several very similar "species" occur in different localities (Gosliner et al, 2018). This group clearly needs revision.

Size

  • Up to 8 cm (length of Lizard Island specimens)

Synonyms

Similar taxa

Web resources

References

References that assist with identification

  • Gosliner, T.M., A. Valdes and D.W. Behrens (2018). Nudibranch and Sea Slug Identification: Indo-Pacific: Second edition. New World Publications, Singapore.