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Nudibranchs of north east New South Wales |
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Nudibranchs and their allies (Opisthobranchs) are a diverse and facinating group of molluscs with a bizarre array of body shapes and colours and even more bizzare lifestyles. Their generally small size and the sporatic nature of their appearances mean nudibranchs often go unnoticed by divers.
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Classification and taxonomy... Nudibranchs belong to the Phylum Mollusca along with land snails, oysters and other shellfish. Phylum: Mollusca Scientific names are an important way of identifying the animal a scientist encounters. The common names of species change from place to place but scientific names are virtually universal (meaning scientists in different parts of the world can discuss a species with no confusion about whether they're talking about the same animal). Unlike fish and other animals, around 97% of currently described nudibranchs have no common name anyway (the two part Latin name is the only means of identification). Nudibranchs and other Opisthobranchs are generally poorly described and classified. As you will see in this guide, individual species may vary considerably in colour and pattern. Mimicry is common place and differences in appearance may result from diet. In addition some nudibranchs live within sediments or inside a host organism, only venturing out at certain times (usually at night). All of which makes encountering and reliably identifying nudibranchs difficult. It's quite posible to find previously undescribed species. Taxonomists usually rely on features such as the structure of the radula (toothed, ribbon like tongue used for feeding) to identify individual species. A number of good photographic guides are now available together with online forums. For a far more detailed coverage of nudibranchs and their allies visit Dr Bill Rudmans Sea Slug Forum... |
noteworthy Opisthobranch of the north coast and southern Queensland
This
guide provides a photographic index of some common and noteworthy Opisthobranchs
that may be encountered whilst diving or snorkeling around the north
coast of New South Wales. It is hoped this guide will promote an interest
in this group and the marine environment in general. Where applicable
I have tried to illustrate the degree of variability that occurs in
the colour patterns of some species (notably Aphelodoris varia
and Chromodoris splendida). Species are presented in roughly
taxonomic order. However to reduce the download times I have separated
species into five broad groupings (see below). I will endeavour
to add more species as time goes on. I'm not expert on this stuff so
if you find any errors please let me know. I've created a page for
new species I'm yet to identify, please 
