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Additional Photos
side
front
cerata detail
on Pennaria disticha
feeding
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Tenellia sp. #29
Maximum size: 2-3 mm.
Identification:
The
body of this aeolid is translucent-cream heavily frosted which opaque
white. The rhinophores are translucent-cream with subapical orange bands
and there is an orange line at the front of the head. The cerata are
sparse and have translucent-cream patches that contain brown flecks.
Natural history:
Tenellia sp. #29
is known from five animals. The first two were found on and near Pennaria disticha in a Halimeda
kanaloana bed at about 9 m (30 ft). It appears to feed on that hydroid. A third animal was found on sand at 3 m (11 ft).
Distribution: Maui.
Taxonomic notes:
It
was first recorded in Hawaii from Makena Landing, Maui by Jake Brandwine on March 4, 2022. We initially listed these as young Tenellia
sp. #11. However, the lack of orange and white flecks on the proximal
portions of the rhinophores, the lack of orange flecks on the cephalic
tentacles, the lack of pustules on the sides of the foot, the
presence of an orange line on the front of the head and the association
with Pennaria disticha, rather than Corymorpha cf. tomoensis, argue against lumping.
Photo: Jake Brandwine: around 2 to 3 mm: Makena Landing, Maui; March 4, 2022.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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