Home
Acknowledgments
Conventions
Glossary
Maps
References
Links
Articles
Thumbnails
Species list
Family
Next species
_______________
 
Additional Photos
 

front
 

side
 

underside
 

young, about 20 mm
 


swimming
 

mating


egg mass?
_______________
 
GALLERY



 
Euselenops luniceps
(Cuvier, 1817)
 
Eucelenops luniceps
Maximum size:  60 mm (Kay, 1979).

Identification:  This distinctive species is cream with dark brown spots and a broad oral veil fringed with short white papillae.

Natural history:  Euselenops luniceps is a rarely seen sand dweller that partially buries itself in the sand during the day (usually with the rhinophores and posterior siphon exposed). It forages for small invertebrates at night. (Note 1) It's been recorded from < 1 to 65 m (< 3 to 213 ft), the latter from dredging, and can swim in a manner similar to Hexabranchus. (Kay, 1979). It probably lays a light brown, sand-anchored egg mass. (Note 2)

Distribution:  Maui, Oahu and Raita Bank: widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific.

Taxonomic notes:  ( )

Photo:  Mike Severns: Jul., 1993.

Observations and comments:

Note 1:  To see a video of one feeding (by Patty Daly) go here.

Note 2:  On June 18, 2013 two light brown, sand-anchored egg masses were found in the general vicinity of  the two E. luniceps found by Gordon Hendler. The masses seemed similar in form to other pleurobranch egg masses but were anchored in the sand at one end rather than attached to an object. By process of elimination, it seems likely that they were laid by E. luniceps (although it hasn't been confirmed directly). On average, they were several cm in length but they folded and stretched dramatically (accordion-fashion) as they swayed in the surge. (see photos)
Thumbnails
Species list
Family Next species Top