Actinocyclus verrucosus Ehrenberg, 1831

Actinocyclus verrucosus has been found at Kwajalein and Enewetak Atolls. At Kwajalein, it seems to prefer seaward reefs in channels and on the top of the reef slope, where it can occasionally be found under rocks feeding on a somewhat shiny brown sponge. Often it closely resembles the sponge and blends in very well. Hallaxa sp. e467 was also found on the same sponge, suggesting that species could be a smooth form of A. verrucosus. Specimens observed in the Marshalls have ranged up to about 40mm in length.

The gill stalks of A.verrucosus are compact and curl into a small ball shape on the posterior dorsal surface.

Created 15 December 2006
Updated 22 February 2007