These tiny approximately 5mm Ercolania kencolesi were found in adjacent bubbles of their food source, the bubble-like algae Boergesenia forbesii, by Christina Sylvester in one of the Kwajalein reef quarries at a depth of about 2m at low tide. Previously reported from Australia and Guam, the records from the Marshall Islands are a considerable range extension eastward.
Inside a partially eaten algae bubble.
A second individual within the lower central algae bubble. An egg mass is clearly visible near the upper left of the photo, presumably deposited by one of these animals.
Below are shots of the algae Boergesenia forbesii.
Created 16 August 2018