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Additional Photos
stretching
side
posterior detail
gill detail
red
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GALLERY
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Runcina sp. #1
Maximum size: 3 mm.
Identification:
This
is a tiny, oval species with a featureless notum and no obvious
shell. The posterior margin conceals a small folded gill on the right
side and a small plate-like shell on the left side. It varies from
olive-green with brown flecks to reddish-brown with cream flecks.
Natural history: Runcina sp. #1 is a common, though
seldom seen, species found in protected to exposed rocky habitats and
in Halimeda kanaloana beds
from < 1 to 29 m (< 3 ft to 95 ft). It shows a diurnal activity
pattern in dishes. Reddish animals are most common in Halimeda kanaloana beds and green
animals in rocky habitats.
Distribution:
Maui and French Frigate Shoals: probably widely distributed in the
Indo-Pacific.
Taxonomic notes:
There's
some possibility that the red and green forms might be
different
species. However, there's no apparent difference in external
morphology, size or behavior and we've seen enough intergrading between
the two colors to support
lumping (pending further work). It was first recorded in Hawaii from
Hekili
Point, Maui by CP in Aug., 1989.
Photo: CP:
green: Hekili Point, Maui; Oct. 5, 2002.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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