Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos   2nd animal   on Halimeda   front   branchia   feeding?   mating	Thecacera pacifica Bergh, 1883   Maximum size:  20 mm. Identification:  This is a translucent-orange animal decorated with black bands shading into electric-blue and white. It has prominent processes flanking the branchia and rhinophores. There are sensory organs beneath the rhinophores similar to those in Tambja morosa. Natural history: In sandy habitats, Thecacera pacifica is known from only a few animals found at 8-18 m (25-60 ft). Some were crawling on sand, others on debris or Halimeda kanaloana. It has also been found in moderately protected to moderately exposed rocky habitats at 2-6 m (7-20 ft). It may have a broader diet than most Polycerids. (Note 1) Distribution:  Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Kauai: widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific; also recorded from the Gulf of Mexico. Taxonomic notes:  It was first recorded in Hawaii from Kihei, Maui by Andy Schwanke on Mar. 24, 2004. Photo:  PF: St. Anthony wreck, Maui; Sept. 2, 2006. Observations and comments: Note 1:  Pam Madden recorded one apparently feeding on a brittle star while various references on-line suggest feeding on bryozoans, hydroids, and sponges.
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