Pleurobranchus sp.
Family Pleurobranchidae

This striking slug is covered with red tubercles often surrounded by white, producing a tesselated or "tiled" effect. It is nocturnal and occurs in silty harbors and lagoons. Eggs are laid in beautifully ruffled white strands. It might be Pleurobranchus grandis.The specimen pictured was almost 8 in. long, fully extended.

Photo: Magic Island boat channel, O`ahu, Hawaii. 15 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

© The Slug Site, Michael D. Miller 1999. All Rights Reserved.

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