This is a rare species in the Marshalls. We have found one specimen at Enewetak and about ten at Kwajalein. All specimens here have been on lagoon pinnacles or on the leeward seaward reef, either under rocks on in ledges at night. The largest one measured 50mm in length. This species varies considerably from different areas. The Marshall Islands specimens all seem to have a similar pattern, but the general coloration does vary. We have other color forms from Hawaii and the Solomons.
The specimen in the two photos below was found in a ledge at night on the Kwajalein Atoll's western seaward reef in 15m of water on 25 October 2008.
This one was found in a seaward reef ledge eating a gray sponge on 20 Novwmber 2011.
This smaller one was on the same gray sponge as the previous specimen just a week later on 27 November 2011, also in a seaward reef ledge.
The photo below shows the 50mm specimen found at Enewetak.
Created 3 January 2006
Updated 11 December 2011