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Additional Photos
side
underside
young, 3 mm
egg mass
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GALLERY
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Thuridilla kathae Gosliner, 1995
Maximum size: 12 mm.
Identification:
This
species
has a cream body and low parapodia that meet in several
irregular folds. The parapodia are decorated with a "salt & pepper"
pattern of brown and white flecks. The rhinophores are margined with a
band of minute white flecks and minute white flecks form a mask-like
pattern on the head. There are peach patches surrounding the eye spots.
Natural history:
Thuridilla kathae
is a moderately common species found on rocky bottoms. It occurs in protected to
moderately exposed
locations at depths of < 1 to 1.5 m (< 3 to 5 ft). Mature
animals are
diurnally
active. The egg mass is an orange spiral and the ribbon has a variable
number of irregular, orange pigment streaks on its upper surface. The
eggs hatch in about 5 days in the laboratory and the pigment
streaks remain in the mass after hatching.
Distribution:
Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Kauai: widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific.
Taxonomic notes:
It was first
recorded
in Hawaii from Hekili Point, Maui by CP in Aug. 1989.
Photo: CP: 7
mm: Hekili Point, Maui; April 15, 2006.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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