Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos   underside   branchia   pale, in field   dark   olive   crawling   large   egg masses _______________   GALLERY	Polycera japonica Baba, 1949   Maximum size:  7 mm (seldom exceeds 4 mm). Identification:  This is a small, light to dark brown species mottled with darker brown and cream. The rhinophores appear disproportionately large and there are short, largely transparent velar appendages. Rarely, purple patches may be present in the bases of the branchia. Natural history:  Polycera japonica is a moderately common species usually found in highly protected to exposed rocky habitats and in Halimeda kanaloana beds at depths of < 1 to 9 m (< 3 to 30 ft). A single young animal was found in Halimeda kanaloana at 30 m (100 ft). It's much more common in the Halimeda kanaloana beds than in rocky areas. It lays small, cream egg masses ranging from 1/2 to 2 whorls. Distribution:  Maui and Kauai: widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific. Taxonomic notes:  It was first recorded in Hawaii from Black Rock, Maui by CP on Oct. 16, 1994. Photo:  CP: light; 3 to 4 mm: found by PF; Maalaea Bay, Maui; Oct. 5, 2007. Observations and comments: Note 1:  ( )
	Thumbnails Species list Family Next species Top