Goniobranchus reticulatus is a species of colourful sea slug in the family Chromodorididae.
Distribution This species was described from Tongatapu. It has been widely reported from the Indo-West Pacific Ocean, but many of these records are now believed to be of distinct species.
Description The original description of this species from Voyage de la corvette l'Astrolabe in 1832:
There is considerable disagreement amongst experts over the identity of Goniobranchus reticulatus. The original description shows an animal with a white mantle, a red, reticulate pattern and a narrow white margin. The edge of the foot is yellow and the labial tentacles are tipped with yellow. There are no round spots in the margin or amongst the reticulate pattern. The length of the body is reported to reach 100 mm but the original description is of an animal 12–15 ligne (27–34 mm) in length. A number of similar species are known to occur within the Goniobranchus tinctorius colour group. The complex consists of at least 7 species and the true G. reticulatus is probably not the one normally being identified with this name.
The species is hermaphroditic, with both male and female organs active at the same time. After mating, the external portion of the penis detaches, but is able to regrow within 24 hours.
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