Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos   in field   rhinophores   branchia   young?, dredged	Platydoris sp. #2   Maximum size:  about 40 mm. Identification:  This is a golden-yellow species intricately flecked with red-brown. The brown flecks form irregular patches surrounding darker central flecks and there may be two or three white patches on each side of the midline. The rhinophores are light brown and the branchia are cream flecked with brown. The patches of brown flecks appear to be better defined in young animals (assuming the dredged animal is correctly assigned to this species). (Note 1) Natural history:  Platydoris sp. #2 is a rare species on Maui with only two animals found at 3.6-5 m (12-16 ft) at moderately protected to moderately exposed rocky sites. However, Scott Johnson found it a number of times at highly exposed sites on Oahu and reports it as being common at Kure. A young animal was dredged from about 100 m (328 ft) off Oahu by Terry Gosliner indicating a much greater depth range. Distribution:  Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Kure. Taxonomic notes:  It was first recorded in Hawaii at Makua, Oahu by Scott Johnson on Feb. 15, 1978. Photo:  PF: 30 mm: found by CP; Napili Bay, Maui; Oct. 8, 1994. Observations and comments: Note 1: Lumping the dredged animal with this species is supported by the arrangement of patches, the presence of small dark spots in the centers of some patches and the spotting on the branchia. However, the overall hue is different (unless it's a product of photo lighting/processing?). So, it should be viewed as tentative.
	Thumbnails Species list Family Next species Top