Notodoris gardineri
A variable-colored nudibranch found on Indo-West Pacific coral reefs.
Notodoris gardineri is a sea slug, a type of nudibranch—a shell-less marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Aegiridae. This species is found in the tropical Indo-West Pacific.
It can grow to over 10 centimeters in length. Its coloration varies by region: in the Maldives and Laccadive archipelagos, the body is black with yellow spots, while elsewhere it is yellow with black spots. The size and number of spots differ between individuals. The gills, located in the center of the back, are yellow and shielded by three rounded lobes. The body is stiff and reinforced with small spicules. The rhinophores are smooth, simple, yellow, and can be retracted. Notodoris gardineri can be confused with Notodoris minor, which also has a yellow body with black markings, but in that species the black forms lines rather than spots.
This nudibranch lives on the outer slopes or tops of coral reefs, typically at depths of 7 to 15 meters. It feeds mainly on sponges from the family Leucettidae, such as Pericharax heterographis or Leucetta primigenia, based on observed data. It is benthic and diurnal, moving openly without apparent fear of predation.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Notodoris gardineri
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Notodoris gardineri can reach more than 10 cm long. In different geographical regions the background color of the animal can vary: in the archipelagoes of the Maldives and Laccadives, the body is black with yellow spots, while in the rest of the distribution range the body is yellow with black spots. The size and numbers of spots vary from one individual to another. The gills are situated in the center of the dorsal side, they are yellow and protected by three round lobes. The body is stiff and protected by small spicules. The rhinophores are smooth, simple, yellow and retractable.
Notodoris gardineri can be mistaken for Notodoris minor, whose body colour is also yellow with black markings except that in the latter the black forms lines on the body and not spots. This species lives on the external slope or top of coral reefs, commonly at 7 to 15 m depth. It feeds mainly, according to the actual observations, on sponges of the family Leucettidae as Pericharax heterographis or Leucetta primigenia. This Notodoris is benthic and diurnal, moves at sight without fear of being taken for a prey.
Reader's Guide
Notodoris gardineri is a species of nudibranch in the family Aegiridae, documented in the tropical Indo-West Pacific. Its description highlights a striking geographic color polymorphism: black with yellow spots in the Maldives and Laccadives, and yellow with black spots elsewhere. The size and number of spots vary individually. The species is distinguished from the similar Notodoris minor by the pattern of black markings—spots versus lines. Its stiff body is protected by small spicules, and its yellow gills are centrally located and shielded by three round lobes. The smooth, retractable rhinophores are also yellow. It inhabits coral reef slopes and tops at depths of 7 to 15 m. Feeding observations indicate a diet of sponges from the family Leucettidae, including Pericharax heterographis and Leucetta primigenia. Behaviorally, it is benthic and diurnal, moving openly without apparent fear of predation. The species is referenced in taxonomic works by Fahey & Gosliner (2004) and Yonow (2012), and appears in several field guides and biodiversity resources.
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