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Additional Photos
underside
side
young, 11 mm
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GALLERY
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Glossodoris tomsmithi Bertsch &
Gosliner, 1989
Maximum size: 27 mm.
Identification:
This species is distinguished by its translucent-gray or tan body with
cream
pustules and a convoluted cream-white mantle margin edged with white
and yellow.
The rhinophores have white bases and steel-blue clubs with
longitudinal white lines on the anterior and posterior faces. The
gills are arranged in a double spiral and have white stalks with
steel-blue pinnae.
Natural history:
Glossodoris tomsmithi
is a moderately common, diurnal species found on rocky bottoms. It
lives in moderately protected to exposed
locations at depths of 1-30 m (3-98 ft). It has
been seen feeding on a gray-black sponge in Hawaii and is one of
several Chromodorids that vibrates its gills.
Distribution:
Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Niihau: also known from the Marshall
Islands and Japan.
Taxonomic notes:
This is the species that Bertsch and Johnson, 1981 lists as Chromodoris albonotata
Bergh, 1877. It was first recorded in Hawaii by Hans Bertsch and Scott
Johnson
from Makua, Oahu on Sept. 14, 1978 and named for Tom Smith. It's
referred to as "Tom Smith's nudibranch" in Hoover, 1998 & 2006.
Photo: PF:
Molokini Islet, Maui; Nov. 23, 2006
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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