Embletonia gracilis is known in the Marshalls from five specimens found at Kwajalein and Enewetak Atolls. The single Enewetak specimen measured 35mm in length. They were found under rocks on lagoon pinnacles or on the leeward seaward reef under rocks or dead coral. At least two of the specimens were under colonies of partly freshly dead Porites, much like the way we find Phestilla lugubris. However, there was no clear indication whether or not it might have been eating the coral. The bulbous cerata seem to be only loosely attached to the animal and are easily detached. The animal in the picture directly below has lost the first four on its left side.
There has been some uncertainty in the past about whether this genus belongs with the eolid nudibranchs or should rather be placed under the Dendronotacea. The last reliable word we have received indicates the latter.
The specimen below was the smallest one we've seen.
Created 8 January 2007
Updated 24 December 2008