Western and central Pacific: Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and the Marshall Islands
Description
A slender, colourful Hypselodoris originally described from New Caledonia. It was long lumped with the very similar H. maculosa, and the two cannot always be separated reliably by appearance; molecular data are needed for certain identification.
Long, slender, translucent pink body with four thin, continuous opaque white longitudinal lines and rows of reddish to purple spots between them. A broad orange band runs along the mantle edge, with white spots; the head and tail are purple to orange with white dots. Gills (7–8) white with red-orange tips. Rhinophore clubs white with two red bands, plus a third red ring at the base.
Similar species
Hypselodoris maculosa usually has only two red rings on the rhinophores (some have three). H. skyleri has brown rather than white lines and raised white spots scattered over the whole body.
≈Habitat & diet
Habitat
Tropical reefs.
Food
Like other Hypselodoris, presumably feeds on sponges.