Mourgona Sp. #4

This is yet another sea slug that looks like a tiny piece of algae on a rock, but on close inspection is quite stunning.  Complete with lilac edging, orange, black and white spots and nearly transparent cerata, this little Mourgona demands a microscopic examination — especially when compared to Mourgona sp. #1.  Unlike #1, it lacks distinct markings behind the eyes and has fairly obvious purple or lilac markings that show through the tips of the cerata. These animals were found in about 6 ft (2 metres) of water in rubble, Olowalu, Maui. Overall animal approximately 25 mm or 1″  For more photos and information see Sea Slugs of Hawaii.