Phestilla sp. 3

Mehrotra, Rahul, A. Caballer Gutierrez, Manuel, M. Scott, Chad, Arnold, Spencer, Monchanin, Coline, Viyakarn, Voranop & Chavanich, Suchana, 2021, An updated inventory of sea slugs from Koh Tao, Thailand, with notes on their ecology and a dramatic biodiversity increase for Thai waters, ZooKeys 1042, pp. 73-188 : 73

* Phestilla sp. 3 Figure 21H

Material examined.

One specimen 3 mm, HWB.

Ecology.

Recorded from a single individual found during sampling of the rare octocoral Nanipora ( Urgell Plaza et al. 2018). The individual was recorded from the skeleton, among polyps of the coral itself. Depth 7 m.

Distribution.

Unknown.

Remarks.

Very similar to Phestilla subodiosa , which is considered an obligate feeder of Montipora sp. corals. While Montipora corals were observed in the vicinity, the present sample was observed upon Nanipora , although no feeding or egg masses were observed. The specimen has smooth rhinophores and oral tentacles with clear indications of a darker band approximately halfway on both. Cerata with clearly visible digestive glands and a distinct bulge followed by a subterminal black band (broken up into black spots in some cerata), terminating in translucent rounded apices.

Figures

Figure 21. A Phestilla lugubris 30 mm B Phestilla melanobrachia 30 mm (photograph by Tom Jang) C Phestilla cf. minor 18 mm D Phestilla viei 20 mm E Phestilla subodiosa 2 mm F Phestilla sp. 1 8 mm G Phestilla sp. 2 4 mm H Phestilla sp. 3 3 mm I Trinchesia sp. 1 10 mm (photograph by Wanraya Kraikruan) J Trinchesia sp. 2 40 mm K Trinchesia sp. 3 45 mm (photograph by Pau Urgell Plaza) L Trinchesiidae sp. 6 mm.