New Wart Sea Slug Species Discovered in Indonesia
Recent research has led to the discovery and formal description of two new wart sea slug species in the waters off North Sulawesi, Indonesia. These species, named Phyllidia ovata and Phyllidia fontjei, enrich the known marine biodiversity of the Indo-Pacific region. The findings show the importance of citizen science and international collaboration in uncovering hidden species.
Discovery and Identification
Five women scientists from Germany, Indonesia, and Wales identified these species. Phyllidia ovata was recognised after 23 years of underwater photography records across Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Australia. Phyllidia fontjei, smaller and harder to find, was documented mainly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Andaman Sea. Both species belong to the Phyllidiidae family, known for their bright colours and chemical defences derived from sponge prey.
Characteristics of Phyllidia ovata
Phyllidia ovata is medium-sized, reaching up to 5 cm. Its name reflects its egg-like shape and pattern. Despite frequent sightings by divers and photographers, it was only recently classified as a new species based on specimens collected in North Sulawesi. Its unique morphology and vibrant appearance distinguish it from other wart sea slugs.
Characteristics of Phyllidia fontjei
Phyllidia fontjei is much smaller, with a maximum size of 16 mm. It was named to honour Dr Fontje Kaligis, an Indonesian researcher who contributed to biodiversity studies. The species was described using a single holotype specimen, which underwent detailed anatomical examination. It is more common in the Andaman Sea but also found in Indonesian and Malaysian waters.
Role of Citizen Science
The discoveries were greatly aided by non-professional enthusiasts who document marine life. Photographs and data shared on platforms like iNaturalist, Facebook, and specialised sea slug forums provided crucial evidence. These citizen science contributions allowed researchers to identify new species and understand their distribution despite limited physical specimens.
Significance for Marine Biodiversity
North Sulawesi hosts around 350 sea slug species, with nearly 100 believed to be undiscovered or unnamed. Adding these two species marks the rich but still partially unexplored marine biodiversity of the region. Wart sea slugs’ chemical defences and vivid colours make them important for ecological studies and marine conservation efforts.
| Related | |
|---|---|
