Distinguishing Characteristics |
Gastropod, no shell, body elongate, soft and flexible, oval shaped; color light brown to pale cream color; head with 2 pair of tentacles, the posterior pair (called rhinophores) on top of the head are very short, smooth, extend upward, the anterior pair (the oral tentacles) are long, about 1/3 the length of the body, extend more sideways, both pairs whitish with a tinge of light blue color; sometimes with yellow to orangish spot on head; finger-like outgrowths (called cerata) cover the body, base is pale yellow to orange, most but not all with a dark spot on the outer surface, tips whitish to bluish white; foot with anterior pointed extensions called foot corners, edges of foot bluish. |
Similar Species |
This is the only member of this genus found in the Gulf of Mexico. A bluer, more elongate specimen of this genus has been collected in the Caribbean and off Brazil. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, inhabits sandy areas |
Maximum Size |
2.5 cm (1 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
This specimen was caught in the Gulf of Mexico off Sabine TX. Many thanks to TPWD biologist Terry Stelley for the photographs. |