Leopard goniobranchus (Goniobranchus leopardus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Goniobranchus leopardus
- Common name
- Leopard goniobranchus
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Chromodorididae
- Genus
- Goniobranchus
- Size
- 4–8 cm
- Depth
- 5–30 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, slow-mover
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific
Description
Goniobranchus leopardus reaches 8 cm. Indo-Pacific nudibranch (Chromodorididae) with cream-white mantle distinctly covered with rounded red-purple leopard ocelli ringed white (hence leopardus), orange-yellow mantle edge, white gills, orange rhinophores. Lives from 5 to 30 m on coral reefs of central and western Indo-Pacific. Feeds on sponges. Highly photogenic macro photo subject for its spectacular leopard pattern.
Photo of Leopard goniobranchus
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Leopard goniobranchus?
- Leopard goniobranchus (Goniobranchus leopardus) reaches 4–8 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Leopard goniobranchus?
- Leopard goniobranchus is found between 5–30 m deep.
- Is the Leopard goniobranchus dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Leopard goniobranchus?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Leopard goniobranchus?
- Found in: Asian Pacific.
Other species in the genus Goniobranchus
- Goniobranchus geometricus - Geometric goniobranchus
- Goniobranchus reticulatus - Reticulated goniobranchus
- Goniobranchus kuniei - Kunie's goniobranchus
- Goniobranchus coi - Co's goniobranchus
- Goniobranchus fidelis - Faithful goniobranchus
- Goniobranchus splendidus - Splendid goniobranchus
Other species in the family Chromodorididae
- Chromodoris magnifica - Magnificent chromodoris
- Hypselodoris picta - Painted hypselodoris
- Felimida purpurea - Purple doris
- Felimida luteorosea - Rose-and-gold doris
- Risbecia tryoni - Tryon's risbecia
- Chromodoris annae - Anne's chromodoris
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 833143)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 8266934)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia