Chromodoris albopustulosa (Pease, 1860)

This species is uncommon in the Marshall Islands, known from about two dozen specimens at Kwajalein and Enewetak Atolls. All individuals observed have been on lagoon interisland reefs or pinnacles at depths ranging from about 3 to 12 meters, where they typically live underneath chunks of dead coral. Marshall Islands specimens seem to range in size up to about 28mm.

This specimen below from Enewetak is sort of the standard C. albopustulosa color form, with low white pustules on a yellowish orange background and a marginal band of purple that varies in intensity.

In this specimen, the white dorsal pustules have crowded together, squeezing the background orange into a spotted pattern.

In some, the white pustules seem to nearly vanish, leaving only the scattered orange spots. Although this form has been given the separate name Chromodoris rufomaculata, we believe it is simply a form of C. albopustulosa. Among the specimens we have found, there is gradation from standard C. albopustulosa to this form, and in captivity we have observed the two forms mating. The second photo below is of a small juvenile.

This is another color form that has been given a different name, Chromodoris alius. We think this is also C. albopustulosa, although it has never been confirmed.

Created 13 December 2005
Updated 14 January 2007