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Dendrodoris
cf. albopurpura
Burn, 1957
 
Dendrodoris cf. albopurpura
Maximum size:  120 mm (probably larger).

Identification:  This is a large, elongate species with medium-sized tubercles on its notum. The body is mottled in cream and brown and has a firm texture. The tubercles are tipped in brown and surrounded by light rings. There are diffuse patches of dark brown on the notum that overrun some of the smaller tubercles. The tubercles become larger and more numerous in older animals.

Natural history:  Dendrodoris cf. albopurpura is a moderately rare species found in rocky habitats at moderately exposed to highly exposed sites. It's been found at depths of  3-55 m (10-180 ft). A large animal dredged by Terry Gosliner off Oahu came from about 100 m (328 ft).

Distribution:  Big Island, Maui and Oahu: Dendrodoris albopurpura as illustrated in Gosliner, et. al, 2009 is known from Papua New Guinea. Animals comparable to those from Hawaii are widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific.

Taxonomic notes:  This species is similar to Dendrodoris albopurpura as illustrated in Gosliner, et. al., 2008 but differs from those animals in having brown patches with diffuse margins rather than patches that take the form of sharply margined junctions in a reticulate network. It was first recorded in Hawaii at Makua, Oahu by Scott Johnson on April 17, 1978.

Photo:  Scott Johnson: about 75 mm: Makua, Oahu; April 17, 1978.

Observations and comments:

Note 1:  ( )
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