Bornella stellifer (Adams & Reeve in Adams, 1848)

Bornella stellifer is relatively common in the Marshalls and lives primarily on intertidal and shallow subtidal lagoon reefs. It is similar to other local Bornella species including Bornella sp. e299, Bornella sp. e312, and Bornella cf japonica, but it can be distinguished by details of coloration and by internal anatomy. In the Marshalls, B. stellifer is the only Bornella species that consistently has orange subapical rings on the dorsolateral processes. Internal characteristics that separate the various species include the extent of denticulation on the central radular tooth, the distribution and numbers of hooks on the male reproductive organ, and the color and distribution of spines in the alimentary canal. We have seen specimens ranging from 16 to 48mm long.

Looking close, you can see the gills on the inner sides of the dorsal processes.

Closeups of the rhinophore process shows a posterior papillae similar in height to the rhinophore, although it looks as though the papillae could stretch out a ways.

Created 20 January 2007
Updated 3 October 2008