Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos   margin   side   front   rhinophores _______________   GALLERY	Phyllidiopsis fissurata Brunckhorst, 1993   Maximum size:  60 mm. Identification:  This is a large, elongate species with many tall, pink compound tubercles with irregular upper surfaces. The black notum resembles deep fissures meandering among the tubercles. Black lines extend onto the tops of the tubercles and the mantle edge is pink interrupted by black rays. The tips and posterior margins of the rhinophores are black while the bases and anterior margins are pink. The fused oral tentacles are pink. It can be distinguished from the much more common Phyllidiella pustulosa by its black marginal rays, pink-based rhinophores and fused oral tentacles. Natural history:  Phyllidiopsis fissurata is a rare species found in the open in moderately protected to exposed rocky locations from 10-26 m (33-85 ft). Distribution:  Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Oahu and Niihau: widely distributed in the western & central Pacific. Taxonomic notes:  It was first recorded in Hawaii at Makua, Oahu by Scott Johnson on Oct. 28, 1985. The name refers to the deeply fissured appearance of the dorsal surface. Many sources list it as Phyllidiopsis fissuratus (changed recently for gender agreement). Photo:  John Hoover: 48 mm: Pupukea, Oahu; July, 2000. Observations and comments: Note 1:  ( )
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