Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos   side   mantle lobes   shell	Lobiger cf. souverbii Fisher, 1856   Maximum size:  17 mm. Identification:  This distinctive species is brilliant green with elongate, frilled lobes projecting from the edges of its parapodia. Bright blue spots connected by dark blue-green lines show through its transparent shell. Natural history:  Lobiger cf. souverbii is a rarely seen species found in tide pools and shallow rocky habitats at depths of < 1 to 6 m (< 3 to 20 ft) where it is associated with various algae of the genus Caulerpa. It is found in protected to exposed locations. Mature animals are diurnally active but may remain in the open when resting at night. When disturbed, they "flare" the mantle lobes, presumably to elicit a startle response in predators, and may autotomize the lobes. We have observed them feeding on Caulerpa taxifolia, Caulerpa ceratularioides, Caulerpa serrulata and the large form of Caulerpa racemosa in dishes. (Note 1) The egg mass is a tightly coiled, cream spiral. Distribution:  Maui, Oahu and Midway: possibly circumtropical. Taxonomic notes:  Some authors use Lobiger viridis Pease, 1863 for the Indo-Pacific population (see the Sea Slug Forum for further discussion). It's possible that the Pacific and Atlantic populations may ultimately be found to be distinct. Photo:  CP: 8.5 mm: Hekili Point, Maui; Oct. 7, 2002. Observations and comments: Note 1:  A captive animal with a shell length of 1.8 mm and a missing mantle lobe regenerated the lobe and grew to a shell length of 5.2 mm in 60 days. It was fed primarily on Caulerpa serrulata.
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