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Additional Photos
![](../thumbnails/Platydoris-sp3-293bs.jpg)
underside
![](../thumbnails/Platydoris-sp3-293ds.jpg)
texture
![](../thumbnails/Platydoris-sp3-293cs.jpg)
branchia
![](../thumbnails/Platydoris-sp3-293es.jpg)
rhinophores
![](../general/spacer.jpg)
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Platydoris sp. #3
![Platydoris sp. #3](../photos/Platydoris-sp3-293a.jpg)
Maximum size: 90 mm.
Identification:
This
is a firm, flattened dorid intricately blotched with cream and
red-brown. The surface of the notum is finely granulose and the cream
patches are irregularly elevated. (Note 1)
Natural history:
Platydoris sp. #3
is known from
only two animals. The Oahu animal was dredged from about 100 m (328
ft). The
French
Frigate Shoals animal was found in a Halimeda
kanaloana bed at scuba depths. When found, it was covered with a
thin layer of sand.
Distribution:
Oahu and French Frigate Shoals.
Taxonomic notes:
This
species bears some similarity to Platydoris
inframaculata from elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific. It was first
recorded in Hawaii from Oahu by Terry Gosliner.
Photo: CP: 90
mm: 2006 CREEF
expedition; French Frigate Shoals; Oct. 24, 2006.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: Perhaps, the elevated cream
patches are glands that produce mucus as an aid to movement
through sand?
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