one more Philippines nudi

[FlyingKiwi 0]

I thought I'd identified this nudibranch as Phyllidia ocellata, but now I see that I'm wrong:

 

 

I couldn't find it on any of the slug websites I frequent, so if you could help out with an identification then I'd be grateful!

 

Richard.

[cookmedoc 0]

Dear Richard,

 

we think your identification is correct. You can see more on Poppe-Images

 

 

It is common here in the central Philippines and apparently the black circles are quite variable.

 

Guido

[Leslie 0]

Guido's right. It's the most variable of the "lumpy bumpy" nudibranchs but the combination of large white lobes, yellow body, & black circles is unmistakable.

[FlyingKiwi 0]

Thanks, Guido and Leslie.

 

While researching this species for the web page I'm putting together, all the photos seemed to have yellow tubercles. However, now I see that the sea slug forum does mention that the tubercles can be yellow or white.

 

Out of interest, what function do the lobes perform?

 

Richard.