OKINAWAN
OPISTHOBRANCH OF THE WEEK
Sagaminopteron psychedelicum Carlson & Hoff, 1974 (10mm)
Opisthobranch of the Week Data
Taxonomy:
- Order: CEPHALASPIDEA
- Family: Gastropteridae
Frequency on Okinawa:
Collection Data:
- Individual Collection No: RFB #3223-B
- Location: Horseshoe Cliffs (26o 30.0' N, 127o 50.9' E)
- Date: 6 March, 1994 [all months during 1990-1994 except Jan, Feb, Oct, Dec]
- Depth: 10ft (3m) [5ft~30ft]
- Size: TL 10mm [6mm~16mm]
- Water temperature at collection depth: 69.4oF(20.8oC)
- Specimen deposited: RFB's Personal Collection
[brackets indicate range for all Okinawa-collected specimens of the species]
Species Account:
Sagaminopteron psychedelicum should be considered uncommon on Okinawa. I have collected approximately 14 individuals and have seen perhaps that many more. All specimens which I have either seen or collected were found at the same site (Horseshoe Cliffs), in the same habitat (mixed live/dead stony coral reef near the reef edge). Due to its small size, most local divers probably never get a chance to see this beautifully pigmented and well-named little cephalaspidean.
Page Date: 23 Sep '96
Page Modification Date: 26 Feb '01
Digitally manipulated photo
Copyright © 2001 Robert F. Bolland
