Embletonia gracilis Risbec, 1928

Embletonia gracilis is known in the Marshalls from 5 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.

The specimen below was the smallest one we've seen.

Created 8 January 2007
Updated 22 February 2007