Gargamella sp.1, or the ocellate nudibranch.
Jorunna tomentosa, or the velvet nudibranch.
Photos Guido Zsilavecz
Two unusual related dorid nudibranchs (family Kentrodorididae) were seen on a dive at Long Beach, both individuals maybe 2 meters from each other.
The first one, Jorunna tomentosa, or velvet dorid, has minute, uniform tubercules on the mantle, giving it a soft velvety appearance and touch. It is known from the Atlantic coasts of Europe and southern Africa only. It attains 55 mm, but the one shown was only about 15mm.
The second one, Gargamella sp.1, or the ocellate nudibranch, was known by Gosliner from only one specimen collected at Dale Brook (between Clovelly and St. James). We have seen it twice before, one at Glencairn and one at Castle Rocks. It is very similar to the velvet dorid, having tiny tubercules over the mantle, but can be readily distinguished by having the ocellate spots on a dark grey or brown background. The individual shown was about 20 mm long, others were 15 mm and 30mm. Both species live and feed on sponges.
Nudibranchs of Southern Africa - a guide to the opisthobranch molluscs of southern Africa, T Gosliner, 1987.