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Additional Photos

side, detail

rhinophores

branchia

egg mass?

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Atagema sp. #3

Maximum size: 12-15 mm.
Identification:
This
is a yellow species with violet internal "staining" and violet frosting
on the posterior edge of the rhinophores. The tubercles are short and
blunt with stellate tips. The profile is high and the branchia
symetrical. There is no obvious mid-dorsal crest.
Natural history:
Atagema sp. #3
is known from two animals found at about 2 m (about 6 ft) at a
moderately exposed site. They were found together under an orange sponge. A tightly coiled, cream egg mass was found nearby.
Distribution:
Maui: may be known from Papua New Guinea?
Taxonomic notes:
It
was first recorded in Hawaii from Maalaea Bay, Maui by Karolle Wall on
Nov. 16, 2022. There's some ambiguity about whether the original
description of Doris echinata (Pease, 1860) refers to the species we're calling Atagema echinata or this one.
Photo: Karolle Wall: 12-15
mm: Maalaea Bay, Maui; Nov. 16, 2022.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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