Chelidonura sp. e436

We see this nearly uniform black Chelidonura species often on Kwajalein Atoll lagoon reefs at depths of 8 to about 20 meters. It frequently lives in approximately the same areas as Chelidonura hirudinina, but not in areas usually frequented by C. inornata, although when disturbed it will secrete an orange cloud of fluid much like that of C. inornata. Over a span of at least a couple of months, one particular algae patch has been home to more than 50 specimens of all sizes. It seems somewhat similar to a species figured on the Sea Slug Forum as Chelidonura sp. 3.

Created 28 January 2007
Updated 16 August 2008