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Additional Photos

violet spots

brown spots

contracted rhinophores

large

egg mass
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GALLERY

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Favorinus sp. #1

Maximum size: 14 mm.
Identification:
This species is very similar to Favorinus japonicus.
However, it
has violet subapical spots in its cerata that appear to represent
pigment contained within the tips of the digestive gland branches. The
cerata may also be slenderer and smoother, on average, than in F. japonicus. Rarely, the purple spots may be replaced with brown spots.
Natural history:
Favorinus sp. #1 is a moderately
common species found in moderately exposed to exposed rocky habitats
and Halimeda kanaloana beds
at depths of 4-9 m (13-30 ft). Like F.
japonicus, it feeds on
the eggs of other opisthobranchs and we observed one feeding on a
cephalaspidean egg mass that was laid in a holding dish. It lays a
white, spiral egg mass composed of a narrow ribbon that hatches in
about
four days in the laboratory.
Distribution:
Maui and Kauai.
Taxonomic notes:
There is some possibility that this species may turn out to be a color
form of F. japonicus. It was
first recorded in Hawaii from Airport Beach, Maui by CP on Sept 12,
1994.
Photo: CP: 5 mm: found by PF; Whaler's Village, Maui; April 22, 2007.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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