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Glossodoris stellatus
Photograph courtesy of Bob Halstead
Very little is known about the distinctive chromodorid that is featured as one of the many fantastic photographs in Bob and Dinah Halsteads new book, The Coral Reefs of Papua New Guinea. Its name could not have chosen more appropriately - stellatus, referring to the 'Milky Way-like' star filled sky appearance of the body. Only in island paradises like Papua New Guinea are the night skies clear enough and dark enough to enjoy the true density of the star filled heavens. This species differs slightly from other Glossodorids in that the mantle merges smoothly with the tail behind the gills, and is not highly undulate as in most members. The 12 pinnate branchial plumes form a glorious 4th of July fireworks burst from the dorsum.
This species reaches over 13 cm in length and has been recorded from Papua
New Guinea to northern Indonesia.
The Coral Reefs of Papua New Guinea (1998). This amazing book was a collectors item the day it arrived in the US. Unlike other underwater art books, the goal of the Halstead's masterpiece is not to provide themselves a comfortable life after retirement, but instead to educate the people of Papua New Guinea on the rich diversity and vulnerability of the islands coral reef resources. You don't have to be a regular to PNG to enjoy and admire this incredible contribution to coral reef ecology. Its 208 pages contain 230 of the most breathtaking underwater photography printed today. Printed in 9 ½ by 12" format by the European Union, proceeds from the sale of the book go entirely to coral reef conservation efforts in Papua New Guinea. One third of the print run of only 3500 copies have been donated to the schools of New Guinea. Less than 400 copies remain, available through Sea Challengers Natural History Books. Orders your copy for $55.00, plus $6.00 shipping/handling by contacting Sea Challengers at one of the numbers below. Dealer discounts are available.
208 pages, 230 color photographs |
Taxonomic information courtesy of Dave Behrens
David W. Behrens
Author:
Pacific Coast Nudibranchs |
