Jorunna parva (Baba, 1938)

This would appear to be Jorunna parva, a species figured on the Sea Slug Forum primarily from Japan. However, it also closely resembles Jorunna sp. 2 on the Forum. Both J. parva and J. sp. 2 are variable in color and it is possible both represent the same species. Curiously, there is also a temperate species named Jorunna pardus from California that is also similar in color. Our Jorunna parva is known in the Marshalls from a single specimen found on 25 August 2008 on an eastern lagoon Halimeda patch at a depth of about 8m. It measured 22mm in length.

The specimen found had a deformed mantle, which folded outward on the right side approximately even with the gills.

Here is the same animal shot with a different digital camera, which showed a bit different coloration.

Created 29 August 2008