Molluscs

The molluscs in Fiordland, with exception of a few fascinatng deepwater emergents, are very similar to those found elsewhere in New Zealand. The emergents include tiny parasitic gastropods which are often found on the strawberry holothurian (see Echinoderms). These animals have white delicate shells and glow with a soft green bioluminescence.

Perhaps the most spectacular of the commonly encountered species is the nudibranch mollusc Jason mirabilis (below) which feeds on hydroid colonies.

Fiordland also hosts several species of as yet unidentifed octopus.

Jason mirabilis is the most beautiful of the commonly encountered nudibranchs. (27.81K)

Horse mussels Atrina zelandica are common on sandy areas where they play unwilling host to a variety of encrusting organisms. In Fiordland they may reach 60 cm in length. In the background a ubiquitous blue cod watches the photographer. (62.22K)

Chromodoris aureomarginata gets its scientific name from the yellow or gold margin, it grows to 6 cm. (25.11K)

Aphelodoris luctuosa is a common Fiordland nudibranch. (37.69K)

Archidoris wellingtonensis is the largest of the New Zealand nudibranchs and is quite common in Fiordland. (45.96K)

Octopus huttoni ? grows to large sizes in Fiordland. (72.12K)

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Last modified on Monday, September 04, 2000