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Additional Photos
light
underside
young, 2.5 mm
young, 15 mm
probable egg mass
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GALLERY
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Pleurobranchus forskalii (Ruppell &
Leuckart, 1828)
Maximum size: about 200 mm
(Hoover, 2006).
Identification:
The
notum
of this species is covered with broad, rounded compound
tubercles. The color is highly variable ranging from light golden-brown
with extensive white pigment to dark violet-brown (usually with white
arks outlining the tubercles). In contrast, light animals often have
dark arks outlining the tubercles and white pigment concentrated on
their dorsal faces. The underside of the foot is spotted with dark
pigment and the rhinophores of juveniles are tipped in white.
Natural history:
Pleurobranchus forskalii
is a moderately rare nocturnal species. It can occasionally be found in
tide pools at moderately exposed rocky sites but is more frequently
seen in Halimeda kanaloana
beds at depths of 9-10 m (30-33 ft). It usually caries the
posterior portion of its mantle in a siphon-like fold and lays a large,
cream, spiral egg mass with a ruffled margin.
Distribution:
Big Island, Maui and Oahu: widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific.
Taxonomic notes:
It
was
first recorded in Hawaii from Hale'iwa Harbor, Oahu by Darrell
Takaoka; circa
1997. It's
referred to as "Forsskal's pleurobranch" in Hoover, 1998 & 2006.
Photo: CP:
dark: Napili Bay, Maui; April 21, 2005.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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