Latest audit record
Conclusion: Phyllodesmium cf. magnum
Reviewed by Codex identification research on Aug 27, 2026 · 82% reviewer confidence.
Reasoning recorded at review
- Large aeolid with a broad pale body
- Numerous densely packed cerata curl tightly over and obscure the dorsum
- Cerata broaden and flatten distally rather than remaining uniformly cylindrical
- Overall architecture is Phyllodesmium-like and incompatible with the machine-suggested Noumeaella
Alternatives considered
- Other Phyllodesmium species
Why plausible: Several congeners have curled or flattened octocoral-mimicking cerata
Comparison: Host octocoral, live size, full head and fine digestive-gland branching are needed
- Phyllodesmium parangatum or undescribed morphotype
Why plausible: Pale tightly curled cerata can converge on the magnum silhouette
Comparison: Comparative specimen anatomy and DNA are needed
Evidence limits & sources +−
- • Brown or lilac zooxanthellar pigment may be lost to exposure
- • Host coral and animal size were not recorded
- • Head, radula, reproductive anatomy and DNA are unavailable
