OPISTHOBRANCHIA (MOLLUSCA) FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN WATERS OF ISRAEL

ABSTRACT

The Opisthobranchia in the part of the-Mediterranean bordering the coast of Israel are little known. Most existing records concern shell-bearing species. During the past twenty years, a considerable number of Opisthobranchia species were found due to intensive investigation of the sea bottom in connection with fisheries research. This publication includes 70 species of Opisthobranchia collected in the Mediterranean waters of Israel, with data on their localities, vertical range, habitat and distribution. Forty-three of these species are new to the Israel molluscan fauna. The statement of the incursion into the Mediterranean of two circumtropical opisthobranch species, Aplysia juliana and A. parvula, and two species of Indo-Pacific origin, Bursatella leachi savigniana (with spawn) and Notarchus indicus, is presented here.