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Unidentified Haminoeid #14
 
Unidentified Haminoeid #14

Maximum size:  5 mm.

Identification:  This species has a thin, transparent, barrel-shaped shell without spiral striae. The animal is translucent-cream decorated with irregular brown lines and clusters of white flecks. The brown lines usually form marginal and central brown bands on the head shield.

Natural history:  Unidentified Haminoeid #14 is a common species found in rocky habitats. It occurs at highly protected to highly exposed sites at depths of  < 1 to 29 m (< 3 to 95 ft) and lays a spherical, white egg mass anchored in algal turf. The eggs hatch in about three days in the laboratory.

Distribution:  Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Midway: also known from southern Japan and French Polynesia.

Taxonomic notes:  Clay Carlson suggests, on the Sea Slug Forum, that this species is not in the genus Haminoea and the form of the egg mass may support that conclusion. Recent DNA work also suggests that it's outside that genus. (Manuel Malaquais, pers. com.)

Photo:  CP: 3.5 mm: found by PF; Whaler's Village, Kaanapali, Maui; April 22, 2007.

Observations and comments:

Note 1:  ( )
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