Chelidonura hirudinina (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833)

Chelidonura hirudinina is seen sporadically on sandy lagoon reefs, often near patches of Halimeda algae. We have seen it from about 8 to around 30 meters on the sand slope of the Kwajalein eastern lagoon reef. Usually if you see one, you'll see a bunch. On 13 May 2007, large numbers were depositing eggs in a Halimeda patch in 6 to 8m on a Kwajalein east reef lagoon sand spit. The animals are somewhat variable in color. In the three upper photos below, the animal was moved to colored background to keep the white sand from overpowering the darker colored animals under the photo strobe.

The two below are preparing to mate.

Created 27 January 2007
Updated 19 September 2008