Sakishimaia kondoi from the Marshall Ids
March 4, 2002
From: Scott Johnson
Hi Bill,
To accompany the photos of the specimens of Hopkinsia nakamotoensis from Kwajalein, Marshall Islands here is a photo of one from Enewetak Atoll. It is one of a few specimens I found under somewhat similar circumstances at Enewetak Atoll. The Enewetak specimens were also in ledges on a bryozoan on a lagoon pinnacle, but this pinnacle was immediately to the west of the atoll's deep water pass, subjecting it to frequent in and out currents not experienced by the Kwajalein pinnacle.
Data: 21 August 1983 7x1,7x1.5,3x.75mm; Cement Ship Pinnacle, Enewetak Atoll; in ledge on bryozoan, 25m,
Scott Johnson
johnson@kmr.ll.mit.edu
Johnson, S., 2002 (Mar 4) Sakishimaia kondoi from the Marshall Ids. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/6350Thanks Scott,
I suspect this is in fact Hamatani's other species Sakishimaia kondoi which differes from Hopkinsia nakamotoensis in having 4 rather than 5 pairs of dorso-lateral processes, and in having a much more slender body. I may of course be wrong, but it certainly seems to fit Hamatani's description. We would need to look at its radula to be sure. I know realise why I have been somewhat confused with Hamatani's description. He differentiates the 6 dorso-lateral processes behind the rhinophores from the pair in front which he calls 'oral tentacles'. Although the anterior pair may serve that function they appear to arise not from the oral veil but from the mantle edge and so are best considered homologous with the other dorso-lateral processes. Any comments gratefully received.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman
