Morose Nudibranch (Tambja morosa)

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Photo by Blogie

Published on Project Noah

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Field Notes

Description:

This large species, also known as Gloomy Tambja, grows to a length of about 70-75mm, and feeds on arborescent bryozoan colonies. Although dark green specimens are found in cooler waters (eg., New South Wales and northern New Zealand), T. morosa is normally black with bright blue markings. The skin of this slug is wrinkled, and appears nearly black underwater. It has approximately five round, blue spots on its back, a blue band around its head, and a bright blue margin on its mantle.

Habitat:

Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region.

Notes:

Spotted this pair of tambjas on a sea whip covered in bryozoans and ascidians, at a depth of 78 feet. The bigger of the pair was approximately 4 inches long.