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Additional Photos
![](../thumbnails/Okenia-sp1-152bs.jpg)
underside
![](../thumbnails/Okenia-sp1-152ds.jpg)
side
![](../thumbnails/Okenia-sp1-152cs.jpg)
short processes
![](../thumbnails/Okenia-sp1-152gs.jpg)
little orange
![](../thumbnails/Okenia-sp1-152fs.jpg)
yellow
![](../thumbnails/Okenia-sp1-152es.jpg)
dark blotch
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GALLERY
![](../general/spacer.jpg)
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Okenia(?) sp. #1
![Okenia(?) sp. #1](../photos/Okenia-sp1-152a.jpg)
Maximum size: 4 mm (Midway
animals to 10 mm).
Identification:
This
is a cream dorid with a notum variably streaked with opaque white.
Some animals have brick-red blotches on the notum and, rarely, it may have a yellow tinge. (Note 1)
It has a pair of elongate extra-branchial processes and a series of
short thorn-like processes lining the notum. The latter vary
considerably in length. The rhinophores are simple and both the
processes and rhinophores are variably tipped with orange.
Natural history:
Okenia(?) sp. #1 is a
moderately common species found in moderately exposed to exposed rocky
habitats and Halimeda kanaloana
beds at depths of 4-11 m (13-36 ft). One animal laid a crescent-shaped,
white egg mass measuring 1.4 mm by 0.5 mm.
Distribution:
Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Midway.
Taxonomic notes: It was first recorded in Hawaii from Midway Atoll by Terry Gosliner and PF in
June, 1993. There's some uncertainty on the genus subsequent to recent revisions.
Photo: CP: 3
mm: Ulua Beach, Maui; Nov. 26, 2004.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: Perhaps, the tint in the yellow and/or blotchy animals is due to variations in diet?
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