Sakuraeolis kirembosa Rudman, 1980

Years back we posted this critter as a Flabellina . This was before we had specimens to conduct an internal exam with. This occurrence in the Philippine Islands came too late to be included in Indo-Pacific Nudibranchs and Sea Slugs available in September.

Growing to 40 mm in length the body is pale translucent orange including the tips of the rhinophores and the oral tentacles. The digestive gland is black. The cerata are slender, each with a bright blue outer portion and an orange apex.

Originally found in the United Arab Emirates, it was seen on the athecate hydroid, Eudendrium sp., in shallow water.

It's occurrence in the Philippines is quite an extension of its geographic range.

From left to right, Terry Gosliner, Angel Valdes, Dave Behrens La Jolla, Calif.

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