Limenandra fusiformis (Baba, 1949)

Location: Myougane, Kyonan, Chiba, Japan
Date: 2006/08/28
Length: 10mm
Depth: 8.0m
Water temperature: 23.0℃

Description

A small Aeolidacea, body length 1-2 cm. Baba describes the species as having a "particularly distinctive body form". The rhinophores bear many irregular papilla-like granules confined to the posterior surface along their entire length. The cerata are long fusiform with a circular cross-section, NOT leaflet-shaped as in other congeners — a key diagnostic feature. Cerata in 12-15 oblique rows per side, with the largest row having 10-11 cerata. The 1st and 2nd rows are somewhat close together; from the 3rd onward, the rows are spaced from the 2nd. The genital orifice opens just behind the 2nd row on the right side; the anus between the 3rd and 4th rows; the nephroproct directly above the anus. Anterior foot corners tentaculiform. Ground colour greyish-brown, with yellow small spots scattered on the dorsum. Jaw plate as in the related species. Radula formula 11×0.1.0. The central tooth is somewhat broad and arch-shaped, with up to 60 comb-like denticles in a row, with no median notch.

Distribution

Type locality is off Kurosaki, Sagami Bay (13 m depth, August 1939, 2 specimens). The original description (Baba, 1949) records the species only from the type locality.

Etymology

The specific epithet fusiformis is Latin for spindle-shaped. The original description does not give an explicit etymology paragraph; the descriptive sense reflects the long fusiform (circular cross-section) cerata. The Japanese name "Hoso-era-wagushi-umiushi" likewise refers to the slender form.

Remarks

Originally described as Baeolidia fusiformis and later transferred to Limenandra. Distinguished within the genus by the fusiform, circular-cross-section, non-leafy cerata.