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Additional Photos
underside
pale
irregular branches
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Sacoproteus thomasleei Krug, Wong, Medina, Gosliner, & Valdes, 2018
Maximum size: 5 mm (Gosliner,
et. al., 2008).
Identification:
This
species is nearly transparent with extensive greenish-brown
branches of the digestive gland. The cerata are bottle-shaped with
yellowish-brown spots on their surfaces and cream patches on their
dorsal faces near the tips. The branches of the digestive gland in the
cerata have well separated "star-like" clusters of side branches.
The pericardium is white and there may be some brown pigment on the
notum. The branches of the digestive gland in the rhinophores extend
almost to there tips and are more elaborate in larger
animals.
Natural history:
Sacoproteus thomasleei is a rare
species known, on Maui, from only four animals found at exposed rocky sites at
depths of about 3 m (10 ft).
Distribution:
Maui and Midway: may also be known from Guam.
Taxonomic notes:
It was first
recorded in Hawaii from Midway Atoll by Terry Gosliner and PF in
1993. Due to differences between the Guam and Hawaiian specimens there's
some question regarding whether they should be lumped as one species.
Photo: CP:
2.8 mm: Black Rock, Maui; Sept. 25, 1998.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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