PORT PHILLIP BAY


Nudibranch 

Phyllodesmium macphersonae Burn, 1962

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

Nudibranchia group detail.
Mantle (dorsal surface) with pair of rhinophores anteriorly. Gills as a cluster posteriorly, or laterally, or laterally below mantle overhang.

Source: Burn, R. (2006) A checklist and bibliography of the Opisthobranchia (Mollusca: Gastropoda) of Victoria and the Bass Strait area, south-eastern Australia. Museum Victoria Science Reports 10: 1-42.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Mollusca
Subphylum:
Conchifera
Class:
Gastropoda
Subclass:
Orthogastropoda
Order:
Opisthobranchia
Family:
Facelinidae
Genus:
Phyllodesmium
Species:
macphersonae

General Description

Body shape slug-like with gill structures visible as multiple projections along the sides body. Pattern includes shades or colours of grey, blue and/or yellow. Animal up to 4 cm long.

Biology

The deep grey body of this species is unusual among southern Australian aeolid nudibranchs. Most species in the family group Facelinidae feed on hydroids.

Habitat

Tidal pools and under rocks, to depth of 13 m.

Coastal shores

Reefs

Distribution guide

Tropical and temperate Indo-West Pacific, including Australia.

Species Group

Nudibranchs and allies Nudibranchs

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

4 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Identify

Conservation Status

  • DSE Advisory List : Not listed
  • EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
  • IUCN Red List : Not listed

Author

article author Burn, R.

Robert Burn is an Honorary Associate at Museum Victoria with expertise in Molluscs.

Author

article author Wilson, R.

Robin Wilson is a Senior Curator of marine invertebrates at Museum Victoria.

citation

Cite this page as:
Burn, R. & Wilson, R., 2011, Nudibranch, Phyllodesmium macphersonae, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 09 Oct 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/5008

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