Coryphellina exoptata
Desirable flabellina
Papua New Guinea - PNG · Pacific Ocen - Bismarck Sea
- Size
- 15–25 mm · max 30 mm
- Native range
- Tropical Indo-West Pacific, from Aldabra to the Philippines, Australia, Fiji and the Marshall Islands
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Description
A vividly coloured flabellinid aeolid whose name means 'much desired', in reference to its beauty. Originally described as Flabellina exoptata and widespread in the tropical Indo-Pacific.
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Identification
Deep pinkish-purple body; vivid orange rhinophores with over 120 yellow-tipped papillae. Cerata in simple linear rows, banded with purple rings and cream-yellow tips. Oral tentacles often with an opaque cream-yellow outer third. Stockier than its relatives.
Similar species
Coryphellina rubrolineata and related species have cerata arranged in horseshoe-shaped arches rather than simple rows; C. delicata is more slender with far fewer rhinophoral papillae.
Habitat & diet
Habitat
Coral reefs; recorded around 12 m.
Food
Hydroids, like other Coryphellina.
