Eubranchus doriae

Erling Svensen Bernard asked me to post this one. Very, very tiny, only 3 millimeter long. He do not think its an exiguus, but what then?

Brendan Oonk I agree that it is not E. exiguus, because of the dubble swelling of each ceras, but can't id thid one

Egidio Trainito Looks like a juvenile E.doriae

Bernard Picton Thanks, Egidio Trainito, I agree. I'm just a bit surprised to see it here in Norway as I thought it was a southern species in the UK.

Egidio Trainito there's a lot to be discovered, I've learned...

Peter H van Bragt Could this be a juvenile Dendronothus frondosus. If I don't forget I'll post an even smaller one on this site on sunday!

Peter H van Bragt But Eubranchus doriae is of course also a good or might even be a better option ;-)

Helgi Winther Olsen I have seen quite a few juvenile E. frondosus at both Gulen and in the Faroes and do not think this resembles any of them. The cerate in them are much more "diffuse" or less developed, so to say. I will post a few juvenile E. frondosus photos (and then you may correct me, if the are not juvenile E. f. ;o) )

Christian Skauge This is Eubranchus doriae, which is now officially on the Norwegian species list :-)

Bernard Picton Peter H van Bragt, Torkild Bakken gave us a presentation on some CO1 barcoding results which indicate that Dendronotus frondosus is not a single species, at least in Norway. It would be a good idea to look closely at the morphology and pigmentation of any in your area. I've certainly noticed small differences in the past and had my suspicions...

Brendan Oonk Thanks for the info Bernard. Did the different types/species in norway have a clear difference in pigmentation/morphology?

Bernard Picton Brendan, they were all identified as Dendronotus frondosus and as far as I know had no distinctive differences. I suspect that there are several species which each come in a variety of pigmentation. It will be fruitful to look for ones which mature at different sizes and to look carefully at the branching of the ceratal processes I think. If we can identify several forms then they can be tested against the DNA sequences.

Brendan Oonk I will check our foto archive and keep this in mind when diving this year. I know Peter van Bragt contributes the size difference (mostly) to the food source.

George Brown I've tentatively identified this as an 18mm long Eubranchus vittatus but would welcome a second opinion. Mouth of Loch Eriboll, North of Scotland. Depth 32 metres.

Christian Skauge My guess would be Eubranchus doriae :-)

Jim Anderson Looks very like Eubranchus vittatus to me. My examples can be seen from here - http://www.nudibranch.org/Scottish%20Nudibranchs/eubranchus-vittatus.html

Dan Bolt Another one that I'm scratching my head over, only about 7mm long this one, again Babbacombe, Devon, UK. Thank you!

Christian Skauge This looks like a Eubranchus exiguus to me.

Terry Griffiths The race is still on Dan thought it was this one lol

Dan Bolt I have to go some way to trump you Terry, you get 2 dives to find more tomorrow :)

Dan Bolt @Christian, thank you for the info :)

Bernard Picton This has too many cerata for Eubranchus exiguus, and note the way they are slightly swollen in two or three places along the length of the ceras. It is what I call Eubranchus doriae, but there was a recent paper (which I don't have here) suggesting that the correct name for this species might be Eubranchus capellinii (if I remember correctly).

Dan Bolt Thank you Bernard :)

Bernard Picton I think it's a southern species in the UK, I consider it to be quite rare, so I'm really pleased to see your photo - also the Janolus hyalinus. You had a good day!

Dan Bolt You are right Bernard; I had a great day! 25years diving and still seeing things new to me, fantastic. Thanks for all your info.

Christian Skauge Yes, I agree with Berard after having a closer look... It sure looks like the E. doriae we have found earlier as well. http://www.undervannsfoto.no/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage99.tpl&product_id=844&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=224&item_num=2&total_items=2

Bernard Picton Interesting to hear that you have it that far north Christian, I didn't expect that! Nice photo!

Terry Griffiths And i even managed to find one today happy days.