Platynympha longicaudata
These photos were taken over two years ago, on the same day I photographed the sea centipedes. I wasn’t able to identify the species until recently.
Multiple Invasive Ascidians At St Helens Boat Ramp
I hadn’t though about St Helens Boat Ramp – or marine life in general – for months. It was winter, and I was too busy any outside chores done before my heat intolerance rendered me housebound for the summer.
Then I accidentally made a Botrylloides diegensis observation. The next week, I had a zoom call with two ascidian experts. We shared photos and they helped me understand the features that both both B. Diegensis and Pyura Dalbyi stand out.
I was excited. I had gone through photos that I had previously taken and had noticed what appeared to be P. Dalbyi in many of those photos. I decided to return to St Helens ASAP to 1) get better photos and 2) see what other species was there.
I only stuck to the side of one boat ramp so was limited in species diversity.
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Interesting Ascidians At Gem Pier
Mum and I made an accidental ascidian discovery when in Williamstown recently. Was had stayed overnight in Melbourne after seeing Moulin Rouge. We decided to take advantage of being in a central location and visit somewhere that we normally wouldn’t go.
We settled on Williamstown so we could check out one of her favourite stores, Back To Basics.
The storefront was so close to the waterfront. We decided to go for a little wander along there to see what we could find.
Hidden Cycloporus Flatworm On Compound Ascidian
I was going through old photos of Botrylloides recently when I noticed that I had overlooked another critters at Apollo Bay Harbour.
There was a FLATWORM. And I didn’t see it.
The flatworm belongs to the Cycloporus genus. It could be one of two species, but it is difficult to tell without a closer view. To tell them apart I would need photos of:
- tentacles
- median line
- type of pigmented spots.
Commonly found under rocks near compound ascidians.
I know who needs to go looking for ascidians soon!
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Two Species of Sea Centipedes At Eastern Beach
These sea centipede photos were taken at Eastern Beach in Geelong. We found them under rocks shortly past the swimming enclosure.
The photos were taken in June 2021. I wasn’t able to identify them until 2023. This was due to lack of experience, and difficulty finding beginner-friendly resources.
Most of the descriptions here are taken directly from Some intertidal Isopods of Victoria. I’ve chosen not to paraphrase as this blog is primarily to help me learn (and remember.)
Paridotea ungulata
Paridotea Ungula is a green coloured ispod. The tip of pleotelson (or what I call the bum) is a shallow ‘U–shape’ with a point on each side of the ‘U’.
It does look similar to Paridotea munda. They are usually 1cm smaller and can be a brown or green colour. The pleotelson is similarly shaped, but has has sofly rounded tips.
Euidotea peronii
These guys are hard to identify because of the poor quality photos. Some are a bit blurry and the lighting is bad. This trip was one of the reasons I ended up buying the TG6, because I really wanted to get better views of the key features.
I’m fairly certain the above photo is Euidotea peronii. This is because the antennae are tapering and becoming narrow. I can clearly see that in the below photo, although I’m not certain about the others.
Another key feature is that the Coxal plates nearest to abdomen are angled posteriorly; not rounded like those of E. bakeri. I’m so grateful for the Isopod guide at this point. I want high fives. I have learned so much in the past couple of years without knowing it! I’m keen to get back into the field and find more of them.
