The candelabra nudibranchs, possibly a species of Eubranchus. Photo by Guido Zsilavecz
This nudibranch, most likely an undescribed species of Eubranchus, was photographed many years ago by Peter Southwood near Rooi Els, and re-discovered in 2007 by Georgina Jones at Partridge Point, and subsequently also spotted at A-Frame. It has now been found at Oudekraal as well.
This sighting is of significance as Cape Point often forms the boundary of species distributions, with many species only occuring east or west of Cape Point. A "rounding of the Cape" usually indicates that the species ranges much further, that is, up the west coast and up the east coast.
The species has been collected for analysis for Dr. Terry Gosliner.
For more details see "Nudibranchs of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay", now available from SURG and better Cape Town dive shops.
Nudibranchs of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay, G. Zsilavecz, 2007.