Noumea cf hongkongiensis Rudman, 1990

We're not sure on the identity of this one, as indicated by the "cf" in the heading on this page. The pattern of coloration on the rhinophores and gills appears to closely resemble Noumea hongkongiensis on the Sea Slug Forum, although that species appears to not have the occasional red dorsal spots. It is also similar to Noumea decussata and N. simplex, but differs in habitat, food, shape and in the way the rhinophores and gills are colored. The 10 specimens we've seen were all on Enewetak Atoll lagoon pinnacles, under dead coral at a depth of about 10 meters. The largest was about 11mm long.

This one is nestled in some brownish sponge under a bryozoan.

Created 18 December 2005
Updated 19 December 2007