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Additional Photos
head
more white
iridescence
feeding
with eggs
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Eubranchus sp. #4
Maximum size: 4.2 mm.
Identification:
This
species has a translucent-white body sprinkled with
orange-brown flecks and patches. The long, slightly lumpy cerata have
white acid glands at
their tips and the cream digestive gland is visible within them.
Occasionally, the tips may be iridescent. The rhinophores and cephalic
tentacles are smooth and translucent-white with
subapical translucent-orange bands.
White patches and bands may be variably developed on the notum, cerata
and rhinophores (perhaps, increasing with age?).
Natural history:
Eubranchus sp. #4 is known from two animals found in the 1990s and several found in spring, 2022 on Halimeda
at depths of 3-27 m (11-90 ft). The more recent animals were apparently feeding on an epiphytic hydroid of the genus Sertularia. It probably lays lozenge-shapped, white egg masses.
Distribution:
Maui: may also be known from Heron Island.
Taxonomic notes:
It
was first recorded in Hawaii from Makena, Maui by PF on June 7, 1995.
Animals with more white pigment were formerly listed as Eubranchus sp. #7.
Photo: PF: 4
mm: Makena, Maui; June 7, 1995.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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