Fly Point 29/11/2014 Morning Dive

Branch stats (name, size, numbers)
Fly Point 29/11/2014, morning dive, water entered 08:13 hrs for 99 minutes, 20 degrees water temperature, visibility 2-3 metres.

Aphelodoris varia	40	3
Ceratosoma amoenum	20-60	7
Ceratosoma brevicaudatum	50	1
Doriprismatica atromarginata	50	5
Flabellina rubrolineata	18	1
Goniobranchus aureopurpureus	48	1
Goniobranchus daphne	20	3
Goniobranchus geometricus	13	1
Goniobranchus splendidus	29	3
Hypselodoris bennetti	13	2
Hypselodoris obscura	45	2
Kaloplocamus acutus	15	1
Pteraeolidia ianthina	30-90	6
Thecacera pennigera	14	5
Unidentified nudibranch (possibly new species)	7	1

Pictures

The set of pictures above are possibly representing a new species. I found it both at Fly Point and at the Pipe in Nelson Bay which suggests that it is not rare at the moment. I think it is a sensational aeolid with unique rhinophores with sporadic yellow papillae, matching the yellow of the ceratal cnidosacs. Surely, we'll hear and see more of this unusual animal.

Thecacera pennigera laying eggs. This is a very common species in Nelson Bay. It reminds me of when I found this species at the Seaway which was a first. I have no knowledge that it has ever been found that far up North since then.

And here, the mating ritual and anatomy.

They are always a mess when they are doing what they are doing. I assume they are producing more Hypselodoris obscura (or H. infucata). They were the only individuals of this species that I found.

This is the first time that I have ever seen this species. Oh well, out of almost a dozen in Nelson Bay that I had not seen before. Still, this is a beautiful branch with stunning colours and shapes, isn't it.