Ceratosoma tenue Abraham, 1876
Family Chromodorididae

This chromodorid, sometimes called the Kangaroo Nudibranch because of its long heavy tail, is larger than most other Hawaiian species of Chromodoris and occasionally hosts the small commensal shrimp Periclimenes imperator. Orange-gold or brownish orange mottled with white, it has purple spots distributed about its body and one at the tip of each rhinophore. A fleshy projection rises behind the gills; the tail, equal in length to the rest of the body, trails behind. Ceratosoma cornigerum is a synonym. To at least 3 in., probably larger. Indo-Pacific.

Photo: Halona Blowhole, O`ahu. 60 ft.

John P. Hoover lives in Honolulu. He has published two books on marine life of the Hawaiian Islands. His third (pictured at left), a field guide to the marine invertebrates of the Hawaii, will be available approximately May 1999. With over 600 photographs, it will cover 500 species, including 66 of Hawaii's most colorful and interesting opisthobranchs. Hawaii's Fishes, a Guide for Snorkelers, Divers and Aquarists Mutual Publishing, 1993 Hawaii's Underwater Paradise, Mutual Publishing, 1997 Hawaii's Sea Creatures, a guide to Hawaii's Marine Invertebrates. Mutual Publishing, 1999. John's books are available through Sea Challengers ! Send John E-Mail at hoover@hml.org

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