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Bornella anguilla
Johnson, 1984
 
Bornella anguilla
Maximum size:  about 38 mm (Hoover, 2006).

Identification:  The color pattern of this impressive dendronotid is a mosaic of orange, brown and white spots against a black-reticulated background. Each of the six pairs of cerata, as well as the rhinophoral sheaths, possess a distinctive flap shaped like a rabbit ear with black, white and orange streaks.

Natural history:  Bornella anguilla is a rare species, having been reported only three times. It was found in highly exposed locations, during the day. One of those occasions was on a basalt cliff at 6 m (20 ft). Though other bornellids can swim using a side-to-side flapping motion, Bornella anguilla is capable of swimming like an eel with a more sinuous movement.

Distribution:  Big Island: widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific.

Taxonomic notes:  This species was first recorded in Hawaii from South Point, Big Island by John Hoover in July, 1998. It was named for its eel-like swimming motion. It's referred to as the "eel nudibranch" in Hoover, 1998 & 2006.

Photo:  John Hoover: side: South Point, Big Island; July, 1998.

Observations and comments:

Note 1:  ( )
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