Home
Acknowledgments
Conventions
Glossary
Maps
References
Links
Articles
Thumbnails
Species list
Family
Next species
_______________
 
Additional Photos


 



 
Tenellia
cf. minor
Rudman, 1981
 
Tenellia cf. minor
Maximum size:  about 7 mm.

Identification:  This aeolid is translucent white to cream, with some opaque white on the head and notum. The cerata can have up to three swellings: the basal is small, the medial large and the apical intermediate in size giving the tips a bulbous appearance. The rhinophores are smooth and translucent-white or cream.

Natural history:  Tenellia cf. minor is a rare species that feeds on corals of the genus Porites under which it typically hides during the day. Faucci, et. al. (2007) report it feeding on Porites compressa in Kane'ohe Bay, Oahu. It does not possess cnidosacs at the tips of its cerata for storing defensive nematocysts. This is presumably because of the small size and "weakness" of the coral's nematocysts. It has lecithotrophic larvae. (Faucci, et. all, 2007)

Distribution:  Big Island and Oahu: related forms are widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific.

Taxonomic notes:  Faucci, et. al. (2007) suggest that Tenellia minor may be part of a cryptic species complex based on molecular evidence. It was first recorded in Hawaii from the Big Island by Larry Harris and it is listed in many sources as Phestilla minor.

Photo:  Larry Harris: Big Island.

Observations and comments:

Note 1:  ( )
Thumbnails
Species list
Family Next species Top