2026 · Photo: Boaz Liebes
Bornella anguilla
Eel bornella
Philippines · Indo Pacific - South China Sea
- Size
- 40–50 mm · max 120 mm
- Native range
- Tropical Indo-West Pacific, from South Africa and Madagascar to Japan, Australia, Fiji and Hawaii.
Back to genus BornellaBack to the galleryAdd a comment
Description
The largest Bornella, a long eel-like nudibranch that swims with a muscular wave running down the body. Originally reported as strictly nocturnal, it is sometimes seen in daylight.
Share link: https://seaslugs.org.il/species/bornella-anguilla-phillipines-indo-pacific-south-china-sea/
Identification
Elongate, tapering body with a mosaic pattern: white, cream, yellow, orange and light-brown patches enclosed by a dark network, with scattered white granules. Oral tentacles and rhinophore sheaths tipped orange; dorsolateral processes cream-yellow at the base with purple-brown bands.
Similar species
Bornella stellifera and B. hermanni are smaller and lack the mosaic network pattern; B. stellifera is translucent white with orange-yellow lines.
Habitat & diet
Habitat
Reefs and rubble, often hidden by day; recorded around 8 m.
Food
Hydroids of the genus Plumularia.