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Stiliger
sp. #4
 
Stiliger sp. #4
Maximum size:  2.3 mm

Identification:  This is a tiny species with sparse, irregularly sized, spindle-shaped cerata. Green branches of the digestive gland run along the sides of the head and into the rhinophores. There are faint violet-gray spots on the surfaces of the cerata and scattered white granules in their interiors. Most animals have faint violet stripes running along the sides of the body between the cerata and the foot.

Natural history:  Stiliger sp. #4 is a moderately rare species found in Halimeda kanaloana beds at depths of 10-15 m (36-49 ft). All of the five animals seen were associated with blooms of the algae Cladophora sericea and we've observed it feeding on the Cladophora in dishes. It lays a white, comma-shaped egg mass on its host alga. (Note 1)

Distribution:  Maui.

Taxonomic notes:  It was first recorded in Hawaii from Black Rock, Maui by CP on Oct. 20, 1994.

Photo:  CP: 1 mm: Black Rock, Maui; Oct. 20, 1994.

Observations and comments:

Note 1:  An egg mass laid on alga in a holding dish on Nov. 6, 2000 was recorded as: "1.5 by 0.5 mm, laid by 2.2 mm animal, only about a dozen eggs."
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