Tiny Lundy Nudibranch Could Be a Big Discovery
A tiny, brightly coloured nudibranch photographed by a scuba diver off Lundy could represent a species never before described by science.
The orange, purple and white sea slug was spotted by diver and citizen scientist Maggs Ashton while diving with Ilfracombe and North Devon Sub-Aqua Club at a depth of around 20 metres. Measuring just 15mm long, the nudibranch caught Maggs’ attention because of its striking colours against the surrounding red weed.
Marine naturalist and nudibranch specialist Bernard Picton, co-author of Nudibranchs of Britain, Ireland and Northwest Europe, examined photographs of the animal and believes it is likely to be an undescribed Lomanotus species. An undescribed species is one that has not yet been formally identified, named and documented in scientific literature.
Experts from the UK Archive for Marine Species and Habitats Data (DASSH), hosted by the Marine Biological Association (MBA), say the closest match in their records is Antiopella cristata, formerly known as Janolus cristatus, which has previously been recorded around Lundy and elsewhere in UK waters.
Divers, snorkellers, rockpoolers, sailors and fishers are now being encouraged to keep an eye out for similar animals and photograph and record any sightings. The MBA says observations from people using and exploring UK waters can help scientists understand how our marine environment is changing, including shifts in species distribution as our seas warm.
Anyone spotting the mystery nudibranch – or other unusual marine life – is encouraged to photograph it, record the location and depth where possible, and submit the sighting to DASSH through iNaturalist.
Source: Marine Biological Association (MBA) https://www.mba.ac.uk/mystery-sea-slug-found-off-lundy-could-be-new-undescribed-species/
