Miamira alleni
Philippines · Indo Pacific - South China Sea
- Size
- 50 mm
- Native range
- Tropical western Pacific, centred on Indonesia and the Philippines.
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Description
A striking chromodorid with very large fleshy outgrowths on its back, interpreted as mimicry of soft corals (octocorals). Originally described in Ceratosoma, it was moved to Miamira on molecular evidence. Named after ichthyologist Gerald R. Allen.
Share link: https://seaslugs.org.il/species/miamira-alleni-phillipines-indo-pacific-south-china-sea/
Identification
Green body bearing large, irregular fleshy lobes. White to pale-yellow markings, especially on the lobes and edges, resemble soft-coral polyps.
Similar species
Other Miamira species, such as M. sinuata, share the green tones but lack the very large fleshy outgrowths.
Habitat & diet
Habitat
Coral reefs; recorded around 15 m.
Food
Like other chromodorids, presumably feeds on sponges.