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Paracaudina bacillis
150mm long and about 60mm diameter, cylindrical but tapered both ends; very small 'mouth' opening at one end; pale cream coloured to pale orange at the 'head' end; felt very firm but dry to touch; some minor wrinkles covering most of the body (could be from beginning to dry out?) These might be the most non-descript creatures I can think of - ventral, dorsal, lateral views almost indistinguishable!
This creature had just been left among the detritus at high-tide mark as the water began to recede. It seemed that it was beginning to dry out in the sand.
A recently described 'new' species (2011) these were all thought to be one - Paracaudina australis but it was discovered that the ones in the cold southern waters of Australia are different. The last picture shows the ventral view and as you can see there is not much difference from the dorsal one. These creatures live in sandy areas at about 2 metres depth and are often found on shorelines after rough weather. Many peoples around the world regard these as a delicacy (unfortunately for them).
As this one was apparently going to dry out at the high-tide mark I released it into the local rock pools.
Paracaudina bacillis (O'Loughlin & Barmos, 2011)
9 Comments
Just below the photos YanLam there is Facebook share button.
i wanna share dis via Facebook :( got no share button
great spotting argybee !
Thanks Maria. This find was exciting when I found information about it. But it's one of those spottings that doesn't offer much visually unfortunately.
nice series and interesting information!
That is great news. As things start to dry up here in Canada, I will be able to look forward to your shots of colorful Australian nature. That should help keep me encouraged until May returns some color to our country.
Thanks John. I like to think I am an everything guy but, being southern hemisphere, fungi have been the subject for the past 5 months or so. Spring is almost here. :)
Hi ArgyBee
A mushroom guy I see. I like your work. Nice stuff.
new species discovered... http://museumvictoria.com.au/about/mv-bl...