Berthella from Hawaii

September 13, 2002
From: Scott Johnson


Note added 13 January 2009: This is Pleurobranchus caledonicus Risbec, 1928, which is most probably a species of Berthella.

Hi Bill,
Erwin Koehler's photo of Berthella africana reminded me of this species from the Pacific. Here are two individuals from Hawaii. I will send separately some photos from the Marshall Islands. The animals are up to around 35mm in length (rarely larger) and are usually seen under rocks during the day or in ledges and caves at night, anywhere from about 5 to at least 20 meters deep.

Scott

johnson@kmr.ll.mit.edu

Johnson, S., 2002 (Sep 13) Berthella from Hawaii. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/7898

Thanks Scott,
I can't find any reference to animals of this colour being previously found in the Pacific. As you say, they have remarkable similarities to Berthella africana. In particular they closely resemble the paintings in Pruvot-Fol's original description [copied alongside]. I don't know of any other species with that chracteristic dark brown patch in the centre of the mantle. It will be interesting to hear the views of the Berthella experts.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (Sep 13). Comment on Berthella from Hawaii by Scott Johnson. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/7898

Factsheet

Pleurobranchus caledonicus

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