Tosia australis

Tosia australis has six (or very rarely, eight) large superomarginal plates along each side of the body. Individuals from highly exposed coasts have greatly swollen plates at the ends of the arms. T. australis is found in slightly more exposed habitats than T. magnifica and feeds mostly on ascidians, sponges, bryozoans and algae. A third species, Tosia neossia, also has 6-8 superomarginal plates, and may occasionally be found close to T australis specimens.

Distinguish as follows:

T magnifica: up to 16 superomarginal plates. Range - Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia (not confirmed from WA).

T australis: 6-8 superomarginal plates. No granules on oral plates (the plates closest to the mouth on the underside). One to three or more colours; patterns - none to variable. Widest range - from Kalbarri, WA through all of Victoria and Tasmania.

T neossia: 6-8 superomarginal plates. Granules on oral plates (in practice it appears that most but not all plates on the underside are granulated, cf. T australis none to few). Consistent two-colour pattern using (e.g.) light brown, dark brown, cream, reddish-orange, black. Narrowest range - Westernport, Victoria to Port Macdonnell, SA; east and south Tasmania.

Read more about this species HERE.