Rudman, W. B. (1990). Protaeolidiella atra Baba, 1955 and Pleurolidia juliae Burn, 1966: One species, two families (Nudibranchia). Journal of Molluscan Studies. 56(4): 505-514.

33658

Rudman, W. B.

1990

56(4): 505-514

Publication

Descriptors: SOLANDERIA FUSCA

The aeolid nudibranch species Protaeolidiella atra Baba, 1955 and Pleurolidia juliae Burn, 1966, sole species of the families Protaeolidiellidae and Pleurolidiidae respectively, are shown to be conspecific. The apparent 'primitive' features of their morphology are re-examined and reinterpreted and it is suggested that the species is a membrane of the Family Aeolidiidae. Unlike other members of the family, which all feed on anthozoans, this species is highly specialized for feeding on the hydroid Solanderia fusca. The single species is shown to have a wide Indo-West Pacific distribution. Functional extra-ceratal lobes of the digestive gland are reported for the first time, from an aeolid without zooxanthellae symbiosis.

Ecology

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