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


underside
 


side
 

head
 

"tail"
 

pale
 

shell
_______________
 
GALLERY



 
Unidentified Haminoeid #3
 
Unidentified Haminoeid #3
Maximum size:  2.3 mm (excluding "tail").

Identification:  The shell of this species is very thin, transparent and without spiral striae. Cream and brown rosettes show through the shell. The posterior edge of the head shield forms a pair of elongate, bi-lobed crests tipped with cream. Rarely, the dark pigment may be largely absent.

Natural history:  Unidentified haminoeid #3 is a rare species at moderately exposed to exposed rocky sites in depths of as little as 1 m (3 ft). However, it is sporadically common in Halimeda kanaloana beds where we have found it in samples from 9-17 m (30-56 ft). The "tail" is highly contractile and is used by the animal to attach to algae. It lays spherical, white to light yellow egg masses anchored in algae. The eggs hatch in about three days in the laboratory.

Distribution:  Maui: widely distributed in the western & central Pacific.

Taxonomic notes:  It was first recorded in Hawaii from Kapalua Bay, Maui by CP on May 27, 1997.

Photo:  CP: about 2 mm (- "tail"): Airport Beach, Maui; Aug. 7, 2002.

Observations and comments:

Note 1:  ( )
Thumbnails
Species list
Family Next species Top