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Phyllidiopsis sphingis
This nudibranch might be confused with Phyllidiopsis annae and Phyllidiopsis striata (a.k.a. P. xishaensis). Its common features: white dorsum with low ridges, with intervening black longitudinal stripes mid-dorsally; black rays emanating from the outer black stripes towards the mantle edge; mantle is blue or bluish; rhinophores are lemon yellow.
Found singly or in pairs in coral and rocky reefs, among sand and rubble areas, at depths of 15 to 30m. They feed on hydroids, coral, sponges, sea anemones, and grow to a length of about 5cm.
Spotted this tiny nudibranch in 36m of water at a dive site called Angel's Cove, Talikud Island, Samal, Philippines. It measured about 1cm.
Spotted on Mar 17, 2012
Submitted on Mar 18, 2012
2 Comments
I try to always include the measurement & depth of my spottings, but most specially for my nudibranchs -- they're my hobby. ;)
Thanks for including the measurement - how tiny!