Yellow Margin Nudibranch, Ardeadoris angustolutea

Another relatively small nudibranch!  These individuals were no more than 3/4″ and some were no more than 10 mm.  The darker individuals are easily mistaken for White-margin Nudibranchs when seen from a distance (see bottom two images taken by Bruce W.).  But upon closer examination the “Angus”, as we typically call them, have a yellowish-white margin and a much creamier/white mantle.  Their orange gills and rhinophores are a give-away for confirmation of id.   All individuals were found in 15 -25 ft of water on rocky, sand and sponge-covered ledges in North Kihei or Ma’alaea Harbour.  Keoki Stender has some lovely images of this animal. One, taken by David Rafalovich, shows the resemblance between the “Angus” and the White-margin.

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