2026 · Photo: Boaz Liebes
Doriprismatica balut
Philippines · Indo Pacific - South China Sea
- Size
- 10–13 mm · max 15 mm
- Native range
- Central Indo-Pacific: Philippines, Indonesia and southern Japan
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Description
A small Doriprismatica described in 2018 by Matsuda & Gosliner, with the type locality in the Maricaban Strait, Batangas (Anilao), Philippines. Its name refers to the Filipino delicacy balut, alluding to the large bright yellow eggs, which indicate direct development.
Share link: https://seaslugs.org.il/species/doriprismatica-balut-phillipines-indo-pacific-south-china-sea/
Identification
Elongate body with a permanently undulating mantle edge. Light caramel mantle, slightly darker towards the edge, bordered by a thin white band and then a continuous black marginal band. Gill leaves (12–14) have black-outlined tips.
Similar species
Doriprismatica atromarginata is larger, pale yellow, and its black margin is often interrupted; D. balut has a caramel mantle and a continuous black band.
Habitat & diet
Habitat
Coral reefs; recorded around 15 m.
Food
Like other Doriprismatica, presumably feeds on sponges.