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Unidentified Juliid #1
 
Unidentified Juliid #1
Maximum size:  0.6 mm (extrapolated from shell length).

Identification:  This species has a tiny transparent shell with a curved dorsal margin. The protoconch is identical to that of Unidentified Juliid #2  but the hinge teeth are much better developed than in that species. The smaller protoconch and hinge details distinguish it from the shells of juvenile Berthelinia pseudochloris. The animal is translucent-cream densely flecked with white dorsally. Green and mustard-yellow flecks show through the shell and there is a large patch of white pigment surrounding the hinge. The rhinophores are short and flattened.

Natural history:  Unidentified Juliid #1 is probably one of the world's smallest opisthobranchs. It's known from only one live animal found at a moderately exposed rocky site at 1-2 m (3-6 ft). However, substantial numbers of shells have been found in beach drift from moderately exposed to exposed sites on Maui and Midway Atoll suggesting that it's actually fairly common.

Distribution:  Maui and Midway.

Taxonomic notes:  Unidentified Juliid #1 and #2 appear to be closely related but may fall outside the recognized genera in the family. Live animals were probably first recorded in Hawaii from Maalaea Bay, Maui by CP on Aug. 8, 1991.

Photo:  CP: 0.5 mm: Maalaea Bay, Maui; Aug. 8, 1991.

Observations and comments:

Note 1:  ( )
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