2026 · Photo: Boaz Liebes
Doridomorpha gardineri
Philippines · Indo Pacific - South China Sea
- Size
- 8–13 mm
- Native range
- Indo-West Pacific, wherever blue coral occurs; described from the Maldives
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Description
An unusual dorid-like nudibranch, the only member of its genus, that lives and feeds exclusively on blue coral (Heliopora coerulea). Its colour matches its host so closely that it is very hard to spot.
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Identification
Small, hemispherical and flattened, with a smooth greyish-blue mantle that matches the blue coral it sits on. Look for it only on living Heliopora colonies.
Similar species
Its host association with blue coral and blue-grey colour make it distinctive.
Habitat & diet
Habitat
On living colonies of blue coral Heliopora coerulea on shallow reefs; recorded around 12 m.
Food
Blue coral Heliopora coerulea.