This species is probably Atagema echinata. Several specimens have been found on the seaward reef or lagoon pinnacles. The one below was under a rock at a depth of about 12m on the ocean side of Gehh Island, Kwajalein Atoll.
From a southern Kwajalein Atoll lagoon pinnacle.
The 6mm long specimen below was found and photographed by Stan Jazwinski.
The single specimen observed at Enewetak Atoll practiced autotomy when disturbed. The main body of the nudibranch is on the left side, anterior end down, while its entire mantle margin, which it let go, is on the right. The single specimen found measured 12mm (before shedding) and was crawling exposed on dead coral covered with algae at night at a depth of 10m on a lagoon pinnacle.
We also have this species from Hawaii.
Created 12 December 2006
Updated 7 August 2020