Glossodoris hikuerensis is the largest of the chromodorid nudibranchs we've found in the Marshalls. Although the one figured immediately below is only about 50mm in length, we have seen this species up to 135mm, and that was not in a stretched out state. While not common, we've seen the species in a variety of lagoon and seaward reef habitats at depths of 5 to 10 meters at Kwajalein and Enewetak Atolls. John and Lynette Flynn also record it from Rongelap Atoll.
The specimen below is feeding on a gray sponge that has pieces of coral embedded in it.
The individual below measured 135mm in this relaxed state. It was easily the most massive chromodorid nudibranch I have ever seen.
This close-up shows the double spiral nature of the gills of some Glossodoris species.
The animal below had a extra rhinophore on the centerline of the body just behind the other two.
The specimen below, found 28 July 2008, was busy munching on the dark gray sponge colony it is resting on. The light patch under the anterior end of the animal below (left side of the photo) is where the dark gray surface of the sponge has been grazed away.
This specimen from a lagoon pinnacle on 11 October 2016 was with an egg mass.
Created 3 January 2006
Updated 3 May 2021