Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos   underside   side   small tubercles   dark   iridescent   young, 3 mm _______________   GALLERY	Elysia sp. #7   Maximum size:  8 mm. Identification:  This is a small species with low parapodia that usually form two chimneys. The body is cream with peach patches and there are often irregular black patches on the sides of the head. Irregular patches of black pigment may also be present on the sides of the parapodia and some animals have extensive iridescent flecks. (Note 1) It's distinctive in having large, though variable, downward-sloping tubercles on the sides of the parapodia. (Note 2) Natural history:  Elysia sp. #7 is a moderately common plakobranchid that is found on rocky bottoms in moderately protected to moderately exposed locations at depths of < 1 to 5 m (< 3 to 17 ft). It jerks its parapodia intermittently while crawling. Distribution:  Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Kauai: possibly known from Madagascar. Taxonomic notes:  It was first recorded in Hawaii from Maluaka, Maui by CP on Nov. 15, 1995. Photo:  CP: 7 mm; large tubercles, light: Hekili Point, Maui; June 3, 2003. Observations and comments: Note 1:  The lack of green pigment in the digestive gland branches in highly iridescent animals might suggest that they haven't fed recently or aren't retaining chloroplasts. Perhaps, the iridescent flecks are only deposited (or only become visible?) when that happens... Note 2:  Although speculative, the distribution on Maui suggests that animals with larger tubercles may occur in areas with higher surge. Perhaps, they enlarge during development in response to hydrological stress?
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