Swallowtail Headshield Slug

Swallowtail Headshield Slug

Chelidonura hirundinina

The Swallowtail Headshield Slug is a striking black sea slug with two long tail-like extensions. Its body is decorated with vivid turquoise, green, and orange lines that run along the headshield and tails, creating a dazzling contrast against the glossy black. As it glides gracefully over sandy reefs, these bright neon-like stripes shimmer in the light, giving it a hypnotic, almost magical appearance. Its movement is smooth and ribbon-like, making it look as though it’s dancing across the seafloor.

• Size: Up to 40 mm
• Range: Western Indo-Pacific and Caribbean Sea
• Habitat / Depth: Found in rocky habitats and Halimeda beds; occurs in protected to highly exposed locations
• Diet: Feeds on flatworms.