2026 · Photo: Boaz Liebes
Chromodoris kalawakan
Philippines · Indo Pacific - South China Sea
- Size
- 20 mm
- Native range
- Western Pacific: Indonesia, the Philippines, Palau and Vanuatu.
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Description
A small Chromodoris described in 2020 by Bonomo & Gosliner. Its name is Filipino for 'galaxy', after the star-field pattern of white spots linked by thin lines like constellations.
Share link: https://seaslugs.org.il/species/chromodoris-kalawakan-phillipines-indo-pacific-south-china-sea/
Identification
Translucent white to light grey body with opaque white spots on short conical bumps, some linked by diffuse white lines. Small orange dots along the mantle edge. Gill (9–10 branches) white with orange-brown marks; rhinophores white with orange. The only Chromodoris with no black or dark brown lines.
Similar species
The absence of black lines separates it from all other Chromodoris.
Habitat & diet
Habitat
Tropical coral reefs; recorded around 10 m.
Food
Not recorded; like other Chromodoris, presumably sponges.