Pleurobranchus forskalii (Ruppell & Leuckart, 1828)- A new record for Indian coastal waters
Date
2013Author
Shrinivaasu, S.
Venkataraman, K.
Venkataraman, C.
Manikandan, B.
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Ophisthobranchs are brightly coloured Marine Molluscs, with high species diversity, wide distribution range, occurring oncoral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, sandy, muddy and rocky habitats (Nithyanandan, 2012) There are more than 6000 species of Opisthobranchs distributed worldwide (McDonald, 2006) In India studies on Opisthobranch have received much attention only during recent times.So far 61 species of nudibranchs have been reported from Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, which is poor representation of this highly diversified group in Indo West Pacific realm (Yogesh Kumar etal., 2011) While conducting regular underwater faunistic surveys in Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, Southern India by snorkling an Ophisthobranch was observed in Shingle Island (09�14'27.25"N and 79�13'54.41"E) during 30th December 2012, 0930hrs A Pleurobranchus forskalii was seen laying eggs (5nos) at 2-3m depth on the rubblesubstrata Maximum number of (26) egg strands were observed during pawning Two specimens were collected and preserved in 4% formaldehyde which was later identified using taxonomic keys using taxonomic keys by Coleman (2001 The identified specimens were deposited in National Zoological collections of Marine Biology Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Chennai (Register No M 668).
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