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Sacoproteus
thomasleei
Krug, Wong, Medina, Gosliner, & Valdes, 2018
 
Sacoproteus thomasleei
Maximum size:  5 mm (Gosliner, et. al., 2008).

Identification:  This species is nearly transparent with extensive greenish-brown branches of the digestive gland. The cerata are bottle-shaped with yellowish-brown spots on their surfaces and cream patches on their dorsal faces near the tips. The branches of the digestive gland in the cerata have well separated "star-like" clusters of  side branches. The pericardium is white and there may be some brown pigment on the notum. The branches of the digestive gland in the rhinophores extend almost to there tips and are more elaborate in larger animals.

Natural history:  Sacoproteus thomasleei is a rare species known, on Maui, from only four animals found at exposed rocky sites at depths of about 3 m (10 ft).

Distribution:  Maui and Midway: may also be known from Guam.

Taxonomic notes:  It was first recorded in Hawaii from Midway Atoll by Terry Gosliner and PF in 1993. Due to differences between the Guam and Hawaiian specimens there's some question regarding whether they should be lumped as one species.

Photo:  CP: 2.8 mm: Black Rock, Maui; Sept. 25, 1998.

Observations and comments:

Note 1:  ( )
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