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Additional Photos
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regeneration error
feeding
with egg masses
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Caloria sp. #3
Maximum size: 35 mm.
Identification:
This
species
is
very similar to Caloria indica. However, it
differs from it in having rhinophores with white tips and
having a single white line extending posteriorly from the rhinophores
onto the notum. Its body also tends to be translucent cream, rather
than
orange, and has a row of red lozenges on each side.
Natural history:
Caloria sp. #3 is common at highly protected to protected sites
on Oahu but is rare elsewhere. It occurs at depths of as
little as 1 m (3 ft) and is diurnally active. It feeds on a hydroid (Pennaria disticha?) and probably lays an irregularly kinked white egg mass.
Distribution:
Big Island, Maui and Oahu: this color form is widely distributed in the
Indo-Pacific.
Taxonomic notes:
This
animal
is
usually listed as a color form of Caloria
Indica (and was lumped with
that species in Kay, 1979). However, there is
little sign of intergrading between the two and substantial
differences in habitat. So, we are treating it as different
pending more work. There is also some question about which form should
be called C. indica if they
are split. It was first recorded in Hawaii at Magic Island, Oahu by
Scott Johnson on Feb.
4, 1984. It's lumped with Caloria indica (under Caloria militaris) in Kay & Schoenberg-Dole, 1991 (but only the right animal in the photo is this species).
Photo: CP: 12
mm: Kaneohe Bay, Oahu; Oct. 3, 2004.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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