Marianina rosea is a small species; eleven measured specimens ranged from 4 to 11mm in length. This is a common species in the Marshalls, with many specimens observed on lagoon reefs and pinnacles of Enewetak, Kwajalein, Ujelang, Bikini, Rongelap and Majuro Atolls. They typically live under dead coral rocks at depths of 1 to 5 meters and are frequently found paired. Marianina rosea was first reported in the Marshalls from Enewetak, Kwajalein, Bikini and Ujelang Atolls by Johnson & Boucher (1984).
A closeup of the head shows the interesting rhinophores.
The next three photos show a specimen from Majuro Atoll found by Ken Cone and Beth Van Zummeren.
The next two specimens were crawling on a light purple tunicate at Kwajalein on 26 July 2009.
Several egg masses are visible with the two specimens below, found on a Kwajalein western lagoon reef on 29 August 2009.
Created 20 January 2007
Updated 3 August 2021