Chromodoris alcalai
Alcala's chromodoris
Philippines · Indo Pacific - South China Sea
- Size
- 15–40 mm · max 60 mm
- Native range
- Western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean: Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and Western Australia.
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Description
A blue-and-black chromodorid described by Gosliner in 2021, separated from the look-alike Chromodoris dianae using DNA, colour pattern and anatomy. It is named after Filipino marine biologist and conservationist Dr. Angel Alcala.
Share link: https://seaslugs.org.il/species/chromodoris-alcalai-phillipines-indo-pacific-south-china-sea/
Identification
Greyish-blue back densely flecked with white, with a white mantle border that may carry yellow patches. A thick black line (variable) runs from the head through the rhinophores to the gill. Rhinophores yellow; gills white at the base becoming yellow on the outer half.
Similar species
Chromodoris dianae is externally very similar and was long confused with it; they differ in subtle colour pattern details and DNA. C. annae and C. magnifica have orange/blue patterns with a distinct submarginal black band.
Habitat & diet
Habitat
Coral and rocky reefs, shallow to moderate depths.
Food
Like other Chromodoris, feeds on sponges.