Embletonia gracilis is moderately common in the Marshalls in the right habitat. It has been found at Kwajalein, Enewetak and Majuro Atolls. The single Enewetak specimen measured 35mm in length but it likely would have been able to stretch out quite a bit longer. Most are found under loose colonies of living Porites coral on lagoon pinnacles or reefs, or on the leeward seaward reef, in much the same way we find Tenellia lugubris. At least several specimens appeared to have been eating the coral. The bulbous cerata seem to be only loosely attached to the animal and are easily detached. The animal in the picture directly below has lost the first four on its left side.
There has been some uncertainty in the past about whether this genus belongs with the eolid nudibranchs or should rather be placed under the Dendronotacea. The last reliable word we have received indicates the latter.
The specimen below was the smallest one we've seen.
The three photos below show two animals found on 24 September 2012 under a partly living colony of Porites coral. The tiny specimen right behind (upper right) the larger one in the first photo was not noticed until the photos were processed.
This one found by Ken Cone and Beth Van Zummeren was at Majuro Atoll.
This specimen with eggs was found under a loose overturned colony of Porites coral.
The specimen below was found under a colony of Porites on a large lagoon pinnacle on 20 July 2015.
A very elongate specimen stretching out on the dead underside of a loose Porites colony on a Kwajalein lagoon reef.
Created 8 January 2007
Updated 11 July 2021