XENODORIS ODHNER IN FRANC (1968)

Remarks

Odhner in Franc (1968) introduced the name Xenodoris with no description (nomen nudum). The genus was based on Doris sordida Rüppell & Leuckart, 1830 The original description of D. sordida (Rüppell & Leuckart, 1828 -30) includes a short description in Latin and German, but no drawings. The dorsum of this species is dark brown in colour, vaulted, covered with large tubercles that are brighter than the rest of the body, some of them red-brown. The six ramified branchial leaves are black-brown, with brighter borders. The skin is leathery and the mantle margin projects considerably over the foot. This description fits with the characteristics of Asteronotus cespitosus (van Hasselt, 1824), which is also found in the Red Sea, and it is very likely that Xenodoris is a synonym of Asteronotus .