Chromodoris cf conchyliata Yonow, 1984

This animal has some similarities to Chromodoris conchyliata and Chromodoris geometrica, both on general mantle coloration and in its habit of waving its anterior margin up and down as it crawls along. However, we believe it is a distinct and probably new species. Chromodoris geometrica differs in having more continuous and distinct black lines or background dorsally, as well as having green or yellow rhinophores and gills and deep purple coloration under the anterior margin. The real Chromodoris conchyliata has similar yellowish pustules and more discontinuous dark lines on the mantle, but differs in having mostly orange rhinophores and gills and having purple to orange and black under the anterior margin. The species below has purple and white rhinophores and gills and the underside of the anterior margin is pretty much a reflection of the color of the upper surface of the anterior mantle (see bottom photo). Also, the gills of this species are quadrangular in shape, and they are distinctly vibratile, much like Chromodoris vibrata or many species of Thorunna. The first specimen, in the five upper photos below, was found on 11 August 2008 under a small rock on top of a seaward reef spur at a depth of about 8m. It measured 17mm in length.

A close view of the rhinophores shows the wide lamellae and white core with posterior purple vertical lines. A similar line is on the anterior edge.

The underside of the anterior margin is a bit more purple than the top, but not dark purple like Chromodoris geometrica or purple to orange and black as in C. conchyliata.

The second specimen was found under a rock on a shallow Kwajalein Atoll lagoon reef, depth 6m, on 28 December 2008. It measured 19mm in length and is shown below. IT was found next to a clump of yellow sponge, but it could not be ascertained if it was eating it.

The small spider-like crustacean(?) in the photo below is apparently irritating the nudibranch, causing it to retract its rhinophore.

Created 15 August 2008
Updated 5 January 2009