Phyllodesmium poindimiei

Overview

Australian Museum specialist Bill Rudman identified deep pink digestive ducts branching inside the dorsal cerata. The translucent animal has been observed feeding on Carijoa soft coral. Unlike some members of Phyllodesmium, it does not harbour zooxanthellae in its tissues.

The museum account confirms Australian records and explains why other photographs are uncertain. A pink slug without visible secondary duct branches cannot be assigned confidently on colour alone. Pigment can obscure branches, and superficially similar animals require closer comparison. These observations distinguish a verified feeding association from an unsupported claim that every coral-feeding slug farms algae.

Origins & earliest records

The name derives from Risbec’s 1928 description. Rudman’s later anatomical work and museum identifications clarify its genus and biology.

Evidence & interpretation

Specialist identifications and observed coral feeding support this bounded account. Some submitted photographs remained uncertain; the selected records do not establish a complete range.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Phyllodesmium poindimiei

   Bill Rudman; Australian Museum Sea Slug Forum · 1999

   Selected bibliography; bounded source account, not exhaustive coverage.

Family, evolution & connections

Taxonomic classification

A hierarchy of classified groups, not a chain of direct ancestors.

Source note: Secure selected ranks retained. Historical family label Glaucidae in the museum page is omitted rather than assumed to be current.

1. kingdomAnimalia
2. phylumMollusca
3. classGastropoda
4. orderNudibranchia
5. genusPhyllodesmium
6. speciesPhyllodesmium poindimiei

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. InstitutionalPhyllodesmium poindimieiResearch access: 2026-10-10

Image credits

Phyllodesmium poindimiei - AI-generated scientific interpretation.

Modern AI-generated scientific illustration. Diagnostic anatomy follows selected research; colour, pose and unpreserved detail are interpretive. Not fossil or photographic evidence.