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Additional Photos
side
submarginal spots
complex lines
irregular ridges
young
mating
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GALLERY
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Ceratosoma sp. #2
Maximum size: about 19 mm.
Identification:
This
small
species
is translucent pinkish-white with an irregular
network of pale-yellow lines in the center of the notum. The lines
may be "organized" into a more prominent, elongate loop in some
animals and are often associated with low, irregular ridges (sometimes
expressed as isolated points). They may be more numerous in older animals. The mantle margin is white, then pale
yellow toward the edge.
A few
widely-spaced purple spots may be present in or near the
white marginal band.
The posterior portion of the foot is pale yellow. The rhinophores and
gills are translucent-gray, sometimes with a hint of orange and opaque white on the rhinophores.
Natural history:
Ceratosoma sp. #2
is a moderately common species found on rocky bottoms from
6-24 m (20-80 ft). A 7 mm animal laid a white egg mass of 1 1/4 whorls
that was
3 mm in diameter.
Distribution:
Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Oahu, Kauai and French Frigate Shoals: widely distributed in the
Indo-Pacific.
Taxonomic notes:
Although
this
species is unlike most Ceratosoma
spp in size and form, Terry Gosliner (pers. com) reports that both DNA
and morphology support placing it in the genus. It was first recorded
in Hawaii at Makua, Oahu by Scott Johnson on May 8, 1978.
Photo: Rebecca Bicker: 10 mm; resting on egg mass?: near Second Cathedral, Lanai; Nov. 14, 2021.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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