I think the two large mating slugs are Phyllidia varicosa, although I'm open to correction as there is somewhat less yellow on the tubercles than usual. But the small one... not sure if it's a juvenile one of the same species showing up for a piece of the action or a different type of slug trundling by. It doesn't quite look like Phyllidia varicosa and there are a number of other contenders. Any ideas?
Not at all sure what these next ones are. Possibly Phyllidia varicosa but there are other Phyllidia such as P. tula, P. carlsonhoffi etc. that could be a better match. Anyone?
As I have now embraced Lumpy Bumpy IDs, I would suggest that the first two photos are Phyllidia elegans, while the third photo may be (again, maybe, as I can't get the scientists to agree) Phyllidia carlsonhoffi. P. tula has rounded tubercles. These look pointy to me, but hey, what do I know?
Cheers,
Marli
Thanks Marli. I'm with you now on the Phyllidia carlsonhoffi, although one can go round and round in circles with IDing these things.
Really not sure on the first one though. Do you think they are allPhyllidia elegans or just the small one? I'm struggling to find any pics to match the small one.
Too bad Bill Rudman's sea slug forum is not taking new posts these days. I might email him a link to this page and see if he can help. Would be great if the nudipixel folk bolted a forum onto their site. Could be pretty easily done. I'll put a post on their facebook page.
I do think that they are all P. elegans. The other "lumpy bumpies" that have this coloration are found a long ways from Fiji (i.e. The Red Sea, or Madagasgar). The yellow bumps come out as they mature.
