Okenia brunneomaculata from East Timor

February 16, 2006
From: Brian Francisco

Hi Bill,

Here are a few photos of Okenia brunneomaculata to add to your collection. This individual was 5mm and found on coral rubble at 17 meters.

Locality: Dili Rock, 17 meters, East Timor, Banda Sea, 12 February 2006, coral rubble. Length: 5 mm. Photographer: Brian Francisco

Regards
Brian

francisco.brian@gmail.com

Dear Brian,
This is to my knowledge the first record of the species since it was described. We suspect most species of Okenia are bryozoan feeders, but for most of them we have no feeding observations, and in fact we know little about their biology. I can't really make out what the 'feathery' animals are that the Okenia is crawling over [see lower left close-up]. I thought perhaps they were some solitary bryozoan but they could be a variety of things - and even if we identified them, there is no evidence they are its food. If you come across this species again, or any species of Okenia for that matter, observations, or even clues to possible food, are always welcome.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2006 (Feb 16). Comment on Okenia brunneomaculata from East Timor by Brian Francisco. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15831

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