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GALLERY



 
Discodoris cebuensis
Bergh, 1905
 
Discodoris cebuensis
Maximum size:  about 65 mm.

Identification:  This distinctive species is brown to light red-brown, blotched with darker brown. The notum is covered with low, blunt tubercles. Patches of tubercles along its margins and on its midline are usually tipped with white and the central tubercles in each patch are dusky violet. The white pigment is variable in extent and there are also three enlarged white tubercles on each side of the midline. Animals found in Halimeda are generally paler than those found in rocky habitats.

Natural history:  Discodoris cebuensis is a moderately common species. Some of the animals found on Maui were resting under rocks/debris in moderately protected rocky habitats and Halimeda kanaloana beds at depths of 5-21 m (16-69 ft). Others were found on sand or on the algae in the Halimeda beds. In contrast, animals found on Oahu and the Big Island by Scott Johnson were in exposed to highly exposed rocky habitats. One animal was found resting in a depression in a yellow-brown sponge on which it was superbly camouflaged suggesting a possible food. It was near a cream, spiral egg mass.

Distribution:  Big Island, Maui and Oahu: widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific.

Taxonomic notes:  This species is listed on the Sea Slug Forum as Discodoris schmeltziana Bergh, 1880. It was first recorded in Hawaii at Puako, Big Island by Scott Johnson on May 17, 1977.

Photo:  CP: found by PF; 3.5 km north of Hekili Point, Maui; Oct. 11, 2003.

Observations and comments:

Note 1:  ( )
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