Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos   rear   top   posture	Pleurobranchaea sp. #1   Maximum size:  ( ) Identification:  This is a large tan species with a foot that extends well beyond the notum and has a dorsal spur at its tip. The oral veil has sensory papillae and the rhinophores are long and triangular. The notum varies from flattened to nearly spherical, perhaps depending on whether the animal has recently fed. Natural history:  Probably a predator, Pleurobranchaea sp. #1 has been photographed from submersibles at 376-521 m (1233-1709 ft). Recent photos extend the range to about 1500 m (4921 ft). Distribution:  Big Island, Molokai, Oahu, Pearl & Hermes Reef and King George Seamount: also known from the Line Islands. (Note 1) Taxonomic notes:  It was first recorded in Hawaii by the Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) during Pisces submersible dive # P5-11, principal investigator Alexander Malahoff, July 17, 1987. Photo:  HURL-NOAA archives, Robert Moffitt (PI): side; about to feed?: 425 m (1394 ft); Oahu; Sept. 6, 1998. Observations and comments: Note 1:  A clearer photo taken in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands during a NOOA-Okeanos Explorer expedition at between 1000 & 3000 m (3280 & 9840 ft) can be seen here. The Okeanos Explorer expeditions have also photographed them in the Line Islands. A Nautilus Live video of a light animal can be seen here.
	Thumbnails Species list Family Next species Top