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Additional Photos

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Ercolania sp. #3

Maximum size: 3 mm.
Identification:
This species has a translucent cream body flecked with white. The
branches of the digestive gland in the cerata are yellowish-green with
blunt side-branches. Green branches of the digestive gland extend
forward along the sides of the head and into the bases of the
rhinophores. The cerata are moderately inflated and tapered. White flecks are concentrated in the tips of the cerata, along the
sides of the head and in the tips of the rhinophores.
Natural history:
Ercolania sp. #3
is a rare species known from only two animals: one found in a
moderately exposed rocky
habitat at less than 2 m (6 ft), the other found in a Halimeda kanaloana bed at a depth
of
33.5 m (110 ft). A 3 mm animal laid a slightly arced, sausage-shaped,
yellow egg mass 2.5 mm in length by 0.7 mm thick.
Distribution:
Maui.
Taxonomic notes:
It was first recorded in Hawaii from Makena, Maui by PF on May 16, 1995. There's some chance that these animals may be young Ercolania sp. #7.
Photo: PF:
3 mm: Makena, Maui; May 16, 1995.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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