These small sacoglossans are usually uncommon but sometimes more abundant on lagoon reefs and in reef quarries at Enewetak and Kwajalein Atolls, where they live under dead coral rocks at depths of 1 to 5 meters. Eight measured specimens ranged from 4 to 10mm in length. We have seen photos of additional specimens from Ailinginae and Majuro Atolls. Our specimens are similar to the animal figured on the Sea Slug Forum as Cyerce sp. 3 and are likely the same species, even though there is some color variation.We have also seen it in Hawaii. As noted for Hawaiian specimens by Cory Pittman on the Forum, this species can swim by flapping its paddles up and down. Our Cyerce sp. e875 is likely a juvenile of C. bourbonica.
The specimen below was found at Ailinginae Atoll by Ken Cone and Beth Van Zummeren.
Ken Cone and Beth Van Zummeren also found the specimen below at Majuro Atoll.
Another from Majuro from John and Lynette Flynn.
Created 7 February 2007
Updated 22 June 2021