Cuthona? from East Timor is Antonietta

Dear Jun,
I think you are right. The basic colours are the same and the rhinophores, with a paler band about midway down are identical. I think it is the first record outside of Japan.

This is a spectacular photo. I wouldn't be surprised if all the eggs have been produced by these two animals. With such a plentiful supply of food all they need to do is eat and breed. Are they photographed on a rock or is it a large shell? Baba & Hamatani's specimen was feeding on this hydroid growing on  a shell and the name 'epiconcha' suggests it lives on shells. I just wondered whether it was like the European Hydractinia echinata, which is often found on shells, but on rocks as well.

Concerning your question about whether the genus is correct. Baba & Hamatani were not sure if this was the appropriate genus in which to place their species, but I know of no later studies suggesting an alternative. Thanks for this new addition to the Forum

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman