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Range extensions for heterobranch sea slugs (formerly opisthobranch) belonging to the families Diaphanidae, Plakobranchidae and Facelinidae on the eastern coast of Australia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 May 2015

Matt J. Nimbs ,
Richard C. Willan  and
Stephen D.A. Smith
Matt J. Nimbs*
Affiliation:
National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, P.O. Box 4321, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
Richard C. Willan
Affiliation:
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, G.P.O. Box 4646, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia
Stephen D.A. Smith
Affiliation:
National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, P.O. Box 4321, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: M.J. Nimbs, National Marine Science Centre, P.O. Box 4231, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2456, Australia email: matt.nimbs@gmail.com
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Abstract

Southern range extensions of the tropical Australian heterobranch sea slug fauna may be symptomatic of climate change, particularly in south-eastern Australia, a recognized climate change hot-spot. In the Solitary Islands Marine Park, northern New South Wales, the presence of biogeographic mixing means that the southern coastal distribution limit of several tropical marine species and the northern limit of some temperate species overlap. During a year-long series of monthly surveys of sea slug communities on intertidal rocky shores, we observed four species beyond their previously recorded range – Colpodaspis thompsoni, Elysia pusilla, Phidiana bourailli and Herviella claror. The southern migration of species is an anticipated response to warming seas and we note an apparent extension of the southern limit for these taxa.

Keywords

climate changeColpodaspis thompsoniElysia pusillaPhidiana bourailliHerviella claror
Type
Research Article
Information
Marine Biodiversity Records , Volume 8 , 2015 , e76
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2015 

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