Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos   side   dark   pale   young   feeding   egg mass _______________   GALLERY	Gymnodoris alba (Bergh, 1877)   Maximum size:  15 mm. Identification:  This species varies from cream to pale pink with orange spots. The cephalic hood is narrow and triangular. The gills are simple and form an incomplete circle. Often, the rhinophores are tipped with orange. Natural history:  Gymnodoris alba is a moderately common species found in protected to exposed rocky habitats from < 1 to 6 m (< 3 to 20 ft). Rarely, it can be found in Halimeda kanaloana beds to 12 m (39 ft). Kay (1979) states that it feeds on aeolids of the genera Favorinus and Aeolidiella. However, we've seen it eat an Elysia in a holding dish suggesting that it has a somewhat broader diet. (Note 1) It lays a pale orange, spiral egg mass that hatches in about 7 days in the laboratory. Distribution:  Maui, Oahu and Midway: widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific. Taxonomic notes:  It was first reported from Hawaii in Kay & Young, 1969. Photo:  CP: 6 mm: Kapalua Bay, Maui; April 3, 2007. Observations and comments: Note 1:  A 4 mm G. alba attacked an Elysia degeneri about 8 mm in length. It chewed completely through the Elysia's body at the level of the pericardium, killing it, but consumed only a portion of its body. This suggests that the species isn't limited to prey that it can fully engulf. (see photos)
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