This Hypselodoris is similar in overall coloration to Hypselodoris infucata and H. confetti, both of which can be found in the same areas around Tulamben. The gills of Hypselodoris roo, which have two red edged corners on the outer face of each stalk distinguishes H. roo from H. infucata, which does not have the two obvious corners to the outer side. The gills of H. roo are very similar in shape to those of H. confetti, but in the latter species, at least the lower half of the gill coloration is blue to black rather than red and the base of the rhinophores are likewise dark blue or black. Unfortunately, among are photos are a number that seem to show the gill color intergrades smoothly from H. roo to H. confetti, making positive ID from photos questionable. Yet, although they otherwise look very much alike, H. roo and H. confetti also apparently show differences in internal anatomy and molecular characteristics. We have split ours up as best we could, but there may be some errors. This has sometimes been figured on the web as a form of H. kanga, which has black lines rather than spots.
With egg mass.
Feeding on sponge.
Stretching out the mouth to feed on sponge.
With eggs.
Apparently eating the same sponge as Hypselodoris zephyra.
Juvenile.
Created 26 December 2012
Updated 15 December 2022