Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos   2nd animal   large   side   front   rhinophores   underside   swimming	Syphonota geographica (A. Adams & Reeve, 1850)   Maximum size:  about 70 mm. Identification:  This is an olive-green species intricately patterned in cream flecks and lines. The parapodia are high and the rhinophores are small, close-set and located far back on the head near the anterior margin of the parapodia. Natural history:  On Maui, Syphonota geographica is known from about six animals found on sand at 6-7 m (20-22 ft). (Note 1) Like Aplysia reticulata, it may engage in sustained swimming. (Note 2) Elsewhere, the species feeds on the sea grass, Halophila sp. The Oahu animal was found in a tide pool at < 1 m (3 ft). (Note 3) Distribution:  Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Midway: circumtropical. Taxonomic notes:  It was first found in Hawaii at Maalaea Bay, Maui by Patty Daly on July 14, 2021. Photo:  Rebecca Bicker: about 25 mm: found by Patty Daly; Maalaea Bay, Maui; July 14, 2021. Observations and comments Note 1:  Rebecca Bicker reported that the 1st animal "moves just like an inchworm" suggesting that it crawls in a manner similar to Aplysia juliana. However, she reported that the 2nd animal did not crawl in that manner. She also said that the 1st animal was one of a group of around four when found. Note 2:  Ryan Boerema found one swimming in the water column, at night, at a protected site with a silty bottom. It was initially seen at a depth of about 1 m (3 ft), then swam into deeper water while observed (over a period of at least seven minutes). Note 3:  Perhaps, the shallow animal swam in?
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