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Additional Photos
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Eubranchus sp. #5
Maximum size: 2.5 mm.
Identification:
This Eubranchus has a
translucent body sprinkled with opalescent white flecks. The smooth
cerata are spindle-shaped with opaque-white tips. The opaque pigment is
broken by irregular, longitudinal clear lines. The rhinophores have
translucent-orange bases and white apexes. The cephalic tentacles are
tipped in white. It can be distinguished from Eubranchus
sp. # 2 by the clear
axial streaks on its cerata, the lack of brown spots on its notum and
the lack of basal white bands on its rhinophores.
Natural history:
Eubranchus sp. #5
is a rare species known from five animals found in exposed, rocky
locations at depths of 1.5-3
m (5-10 ft) and in Halimeda kanaloana beds at depths of at least 8 m (25 ft). A 2.5 mm animal laid an irregular, oval egg mass.
Distribution:
Big Island and Maui.
Taxonomic notes:
It was first recorded in Hawaii from off Makena, Maui by PF on Jan. 6, 1992.
Photo: C. A. Clark: Napili Bay, Maui; Aug. 18, 2024.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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