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Additional Photos
front
cerata detail
dark
little white
large
autotomized cerata
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Mourgona sp. #2
Maximum size: 25 mm.
Identification:
This
species is translucent-cream with flattened cerata that have toothed
margins. The cerata have variably developed white patches on their
margins and opaque-white granules are usually (but not always)
concentrated along the mid-lines of the central cerata. The body and
cerata are variably frosted with minute gray flecks and somewhat larger
brown streaks/patches. The tips of the rhinophores are white and there
is a patch of gray spots on top of the head. Fan-like branches of the
digestive gland are concentrated in the lateral cerata.
Natural history:
Mourgona(?) sp. #2
is known from nine animals found at shallow, moderately exposed to
exposed rocky sites. (Note 1) It readily autotomizes its central
cerata. Karolle's 2019 animal was found on the algae Cladophora catenata(?).
Distribution:
Maui and Oahu: may be known from Japan.
Taxonomic notes:
It was first recorded in Hawaii from Maile Reef, Oahu by Scott Johnson
in June, 1978. The 2011 photo was formerly included on this site as an
atypical juvenile Polybranchia orientalis. The June 1978 and Nov. 28, 2019 photos were previously included, respectively, as "Mourgona sp. #3" and "Mourgona sp. #5."
Photo: Angel
Valdes: found by Angel Valdes, Dieta Hanson, Jessica Goodheart or
Jennifer Alexander; Honokeana Bay, Maui; June 17, 2011.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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