Raja Ampat — 27 November 2025
- Location seen
- Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- Date seen
- 2025-11-27
Chelidonura varians
Blue Velvet Sea Slug
© Di Syrett / MacroDivers.com
About this species
- Current scientific name
- Chelidonura varians
- Common name
- Blue Velvet Sea Slug
- Order
- Head-shield slugs (Cephalaspidea)
- Type
- N/A
- Genus
- Chelidonura
- Species
- varians
- Average size
- 70 mm
- Body shape
- Elongate
- Rhinophores
- None
- Gills
- Hidden
- Similar species
- Tubulophilinopsis gardineri
Geographic Distribution
Western Pacific Ocean.
Identification
One of the larges species of Chelidonura. Black with neon blue markings along the sides of the parapodia, along the head-shield and down the back. As with many head-shielded slugs it has two tails, one longer than the other.
Behaviour / Habitat
Found on the bottom, usually on light coloured sand - so easy to spot.