How to Identify Painted Hypselodoris

To identify Painted Hypselodoris (Hypselodoris picta), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Highly variable. Typically features a white, cream, or pale blue background color with longitudinal lines or spots of yellow, orange, red, or purple. The mantle edge often has a contrasting band. The rhinophores and branchial plume are usually the same color as the lines on the body or a contrasting color.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Elongated, oval body shape, Prominent, lamellate rhinophores (chemosensory organs), Dorsal, circlet of retractile branchial plumes (gills), Highly variable color patterns, often with longitudinal lines or spots

Dorsal fin

N/A (no dorsal fin, but has a branchial plume)

Tail fin

N/A (no tail fin)

Pectoral fin

N/A (no pectoral fins)

Distinctive fins

The branchial plume consists of several tripinnate gills arranged in a circlet around the anus, which can be retracted into a gill pocket. The rhinophores are lamellate and can also be retracted.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration and Pattern

   Observe the base color, the color and arrangement of longitudinal lines or spots, and the coloration of the mantle edge. Note the color of the rhinophores and gills.

2. 2

   Rhinophores

   Examine the shape and lamellae of the rhinophores. In H. picta, they are typically lamellate and often match the color of the body lines.

3. 3

   Branchial Plume

   Note the number and structure of the gills, and their color relative to the body. They are usually tripinnate and retractile.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults typically range from 20 mm to 60 mm in length.

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