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Spotted hypselodoris (Hypselodoris maculosa)

Photo of Spotted hypselodoris (Hypselodoris maculosa)

Key facts

Scientific name
Hypselodoris maculosa
Common name
Spotted hypselodoris
Category
Molluscs
Family
Chromodorididae
Genus
Hypselodoris
Size
3–6 cm
Depth
5–30 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
coral-reef
Behaviours
benthic, slow-mover
Ocean zones
Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Hypselodoris maculosa reaches 6 cm. Indo-Pacific nudibranch (Chromodorididae) with cream-white mantle covered with distinctive large irregular purple-black spots forming distinct leopard pattern, yellow-purple mantle edge, white to pink gills, purple rhinophores. Lives from 5 to 30 m on coral reefs of central Indo-Pacific. Feeds on sponges. Iconic macro photo subject for its contrasting black-white pattern.

Photo of Spotted hypselodoris

Photo of Spotted hypselodoris (Hypselodoris maculosa)Photo of Spotted hypselodoris (Hypselodoris maculosa)

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Spotted hypselodoris?
Spotted hypselodoris (Hypselodoris maculosa) reaches 3–6 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Spotted hypselodoris?
Spotted hypselodoris is found between 5–30 m deep.
Is the Spotted hypselodoris dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Spotted hypselodoris?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Spotted hypselodoris?
Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the genus Hypselodoris

  • Hypselodoris picta - Painted hypselodoris
  • Hypselodoris apolegma - Apolegma chromodoris
  • Hypselodoris emma - Emma's hypselodoris
  • Hypselodoris infucata - Painted hypselodoris
  • Hypselodoris tryoni - Tryon's hypselodoris
  • Hypselodoris zephyra - Zephyr hypselodoris

Other species in the family Chromodorididae

  • Chromodoris magnifica - Magnificent chromodoris
  • Felimida purpurea - Purple doris
  • Felimida luteorosea - Rose-and-gold doris
  • Risbecia tryoni - Tryon's risbecia
  • Goniobranchus geometricus - Geometric goniobranchus
  • Goniobranchus reticulatus - Reticulated goniobranchus

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 209597)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4360069)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia