Bulbaeolidia paulae

The novice can easily mistake this nudibranch for the Bulbaeolidia alba. Both have pronounced bulbous swellings on their rhinophores. Unlike the alba, the paulae does not rhythmically “click” along, it is more than twice the size at maturity and it has much more defined white tips on its more abundant cerata.  It is also rarely seen, whereas the alba is quite common.   Found in Ko’ie’ie Fishpond, North Kihei in less than 1 metre (3 ft) of water.  For more on its natural history and taxonomy, please see Sea Slugs of Hawaii.  Size: 25-30 mm.

Related Images: