Marine Life / Nudibranchs

Thordisa sp. 3

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Mollusca

Class

Gastropoda

Order

Nudibranchia

Family

Discodorididae

Genus

Thordisa

Species

Thordisa sp. 3

Thordisa sp. 3 is a grey, oval dorid nudibranch in the family Discodorididae. It has not yet been formally described. Its numbered label follows the book, giving divers a way to compare sightings without suggesting that a formal species name exists.

Discodoridids include many sponge-feeding nudibranchs. That family-level feeding pattern is useful background, but the precise food of this unnamed form is not established here. Look for the front rhinophores and rear gill plume when separating a cryptic dorid from its surroundings.

For divers in the Philippines, subdued colours can be just as interesting as bright patterns. A careful photograph can preserve details that are difficult to notice during a brief encounter.

Use gentle side lighting to bring out surface texture. Include a view from above and one of the head if possible, without lifting the animal or turning over its resting surface.

It appears on page 75 of Nudibranchs of the Philippines.

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