Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos   other views   head detail   front   branchia   feeding _______________	Gymnodoris sp. #12   Maximum size:  about 8 mm. Identification:  This is a translucent-cream animal (the pink mass may be the remnants of its last meal?). The notum has low, widely-spaced pink tubercles that are lightly frosted with brown. It also has small, irregular translucent-white "inclusions" that may be glandular in nature. The eye spots are well behind the rhinophore bases and the posterior margins of the rhinohores have prominent ridges that converge distally. It has a semicircle of simple branchia and the rhinophores are variably tipped with pink. Natural history:  Gymnodoris sp. #12 is known from five animals. The Napili animal was found in a tide pool, at night. The others were found at depths of 1-2 m (3-6 ft) at moderately exposed sites. It feeds on the eggs of other Gymnodoris spp (and Vayssierea felis?). (Note 1) Distribution:  Maui: probably widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific. Taxonomic notes:  It was first recorded in Hawaii from Maalaea Bay, Maui by Karolle Wall on Jan. 24, 2020. Photo:  C. A. Clark: about 5 mm: Napili Bay, Maui; Dec. 16, 2024. Observations and comments: Note 1:  Two animals were found feeding on egg masses, probably laid by another Gymnodoris sp. Meanwhile, the Napili animal came from a pool with a population of Vayssierea felis. Perhaps, it also feeds on the eggs of that species? Similar animals have been found feeding on Gymnodoris egg masses elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific.
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