Phyllidia carlsonhoffi Brunckhorst, 1993

Phyllidia carlsonhoffi is sporadically common in the Marshalls. It is never present in large numbers, but at times single or paired specimens can be found with some regularity. It is similar in color to Phyllidia madangensis, P. tula, P. varicosa, and Phyllidia sp. e359, among others. Usually about the same size and shape as P. madangensis, it can be distinguished by the presence of a dark line running lengthwise on the bottom of the foot in P. carlsonhoffi. Phyllidia madangensis also often has orange-tipped bumps that are more irregularly-shaped instead of the smooth ones as on the animals figured below. Phyllidia carlsonhoffi is narrower and usually smaller than P. tula, P. varicosa, and P. sp. e359, and the dorsal bumps are mostly whitish under the orange tips; in all three of those other species, the bumps below the orange tops are usually bluish and cover more of the dorsum, giving the impression of a more bluish animal rather than primarily black.

Phyllidia carlsonhoffi lives in a variety of habitats at Kwajalein and Enewetak Atolls, from shallow subtidal lagoon reefs at depths as shallow as 1 meter to ledges on the seaward slope at least as deep as 25 meters. It is usually found exposed on the reef or in ledges during the day.

A common feature of P. carlsonhoffi is the presence of small bumps sparsely arranged between the more or less regularly distributed larger orange-tipped bumps.

A close view of the anterior end and orange rhinophores.

A mating pair, with their reproductive systems aligned for reciprocal fertilization.

These appeared to be eating the orange-yellow sponge.

Created 25 December 2006
Updated 6 October 2008