Marine Life / Nudibranchs

Platydoris sanguinea

kingdom

Animalia

phylum

Mollusca

class

Gastropoda

order

Nudibranchia

family

Discodorididae

genus

Platydoris

species

Platydoris sanguinea

Platydoris sanguinea is a flattened dorid nudibranch in the family Discodorididae. It is bright red with a broad mantle. Look for the rhinophores at the front and the rear gill plume to orient the animal before comparing its outline with similar dorids.

Platydoris belong to a family containing many sponge feeders. A precise food species is not established here, and a photograph of a slug on a reef surface should not be treated as evidence of feeding.

For divers in the Philippines, colour is useful but only part of an identification. A view showing the full mantle and its surface detail makes a stronger record than a close crop of the red body alone.

Use controlled lighting to preserve texture in the red areas. Photograph the animal in place, keep equipment off the bottom, and avoid lifting the mantle or disturbing nearby life for a clearer composition.

It appears on page 95 of Nudibranchs of the Philippines.

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