Brazilian Aeolid - Nudibranch

Spurilla braziliana

Description:

My first nudibranch spotting :) Spurilla braziliana is an intertidal species, usually found in rock pools, and belongs to the family Aeolidiidae. Specimen approx. 40mm in length, but known to grow to at least 50mm. Quite shaggy in appearance, almost like a rug. Blue-grey colour with reddish coloured head, but can vary in colour depending on what the animal eats. The second reference link (3895f) shows how much variation there can be within the species.

Habitat:

Spotted in an intertidal rock pool at North Avoca Beach, on the NSW Central Coast. This species appears to have worldwide distribution, and found in warmer tropical waters.

Notes:

Thanks to my sister and her keen eyesight for spotting this fellow. Photo taken with I-phone. Also, thanks to Gary at http://www.nudibranch.com.au/ for his assistance in identifying this specimen.

Species ID Suggestions

7 Comments

Neil Ross 7 years ago

Next time I'm at the rock pool, I'll be on the hunt. Yes, the response was phenomenally fast. First one of this species on PN too, or so it appears. Happy dance :)))

SukanyaDatta 7 years ago

Wow...and double Wow and a triple one. Not just because it is your first foray into the field of Nudibranchs or because the lovely spotting has a name but because the ID guys got back to you so swiftly. They really deserve congratulations and thanks. Good luck with more spottings.

Neil Ross 7 years ago

Success at last, Sukanya. This nudibranch is Spurilla braziliana, and it does vary in colour depending on what the animal eats.

Neil Ross 7 years ago

Thanks, Sukanya. I have just sent them an email. Hopefully they can help ID this spotting. To leave a spotting unidentified always makes me feel the job isn't quite done. I appreciate your help :)))