Phyllidiopsis xishaensis (Lin, 1983) - Phyllidiidae

Phyllidiopsis xishaensis

(Lin, 1983)

Also known as: Phyllidiopsis striata

Photographed by: Trent Burkholder

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Gastropoda
Subclass:	Opisthobranchia
Order:	Nudibranchia
Suborder:	Doridina
Family:	Phyllidiidae
Species:	Phyllidiopsis xishaensis

Comment from Nathalie Yonow on photo #1568

The first valid name for this species is Phyllidiopsis xishaensis (Lin, 1983).

Comment from Nathalie Yonow on photo #569

A perfect example of Phyllidiopsis xishaensis (Lin, 1983). Used to be known as P. striata until Yonow et al. 2002.

Comment from Nathalie Yonow on photo #575

Phyllidiopsis xishaensis is distinguished by its small size, four black lines, and ochre rhinophores. The similar Phyllidiopsis annae is also small, also has four black lines, but has black rhinophores and a blue-ish body colouration.

Comment from Nathalie Yonow on photo #3984

Phyllidiopsis xishaensis is well known throughout the Indo-Pacific as Phyllidiella striata. This is a misnomer as Phyllidiella striata Bergh is a valid species and clearly different, more similar to Phyllidiella rosans.

Comment from Nathalie Yonow on photo #5216

The name was reinstated in 2002 by Yonow et al. when it was discovered that Bergh’s name striata was in fact a valid species, and applicable to a species of Phyllidiella.

Comment from Nathalie Yonow on photo #2585

This is Phyllidiopsis xishaensis with extra markings along the middle. This species has ochre rhinophores and a pair of black lines either side of the median ridge, making a total of four black lines on the dorsum.