Plocamopherus maculatus (Pease, 1860)

Plocamopherus maculatus is known from the Marshalls from three specimens observed at night on the atoll's western seaward reef. All were in small caves at depths between 10 and 18 meters. The animals measured 25 to 30mm in length. When disturbed, several patches on the body of this nudibranch will phosphoresce for a few seconds. The animal is also able to swim--well, to raise itself up off the bottom--by laterally bending its body back and forth, sort of flapping with its keel-like tail.

Created 3 January 2007
Updated 31 October 2008