Phrikoceros cf. fritillus  Newman & Cannon, 1996b
photo: Randy Gillespie, Pupukea, Oahu.

ID from Newman and Cannon CD. Phrikoceros fritillus has a light background of variable color with brown dots (absent on the margins) and a distinct orange triangle between the pseudotentacles. Known from Eastern Australia, it is common and feeds on light colored ascidians, which it resembles..

This similar species, found by Randy Gillespie off Pupukea, Oahu, has elongate white dots that appear slightly raised, a faint orange margin, and a conspicuous black and orange triangle between the pseudotentacles. More photos of this rare worm would be welcome.

BACK to spots or blotches