Otinodoris sp. e496

This large dorid is known from a single specimen from Kwajalein Atoll. It was found at night crawling across Halimeda algae at a depth of 15m in a lagoon slope algae patch. No additional specimens have been found despite extensive diving in this area during the day. The animal measured 110mm long and 56mm wide. The pictures show the body covered with soft tendrils, clusters of long ones extending from scatted mounds.

The gills of this animal are bushy and blend in well against the mottled body color.

A captured video frame below shows the underside of the animal, part of which is crowded with brown blotches.

Created 24 November 2007