Desirable Flabellina

Coryphellina exoptata

Description:

This Nudibranch - Coryphellina exoptata was seen on its host (food source Hydroids) and laying her eggs on it, probably giving her next generation a better start in their life, to get to food right away.

Habitat:

Usually found among Hydroids, which is their food source.

Notes:

This Nudibranch was previously known as Flabellina exoptata and now reclassified to a different genus as Coryphellina exoptata. Many species of Nudibranch has in recent years had to be reclassified with new methods of studying/verifying them including by DNA providing better understanding and differences in closely related species/genera. And the common name of Desirable Flabellina using its old genus name shows that Common names can be troublesome in such situations when Genus names are changed!

Species ID Suggestions

6 Comments

AlbertKang 4 years ago

Thanks, @Mark for sharing the link to more Nudibranch :D

@OpkinTree - Nudibranch are sea snails without shells. They are mostly very colourful and/or interesting markings like Caterpillars/Butterflies :)

Mark Ridgway 4 years ago

Opkin Tree feast your eyes https://www.google.com.au/search?q=Nudib...

OpkinTree 4 years ago

Impressive shot! I've never heard of a Nudibranch before.

AlbertKang 4 years ago

Thanks, @Michael Sarill :)

Thanks too, @Mark.
This pictures were taken during day time, in fact at 10:15 am in the morning.
The black background effect is the result of the shooting angle and lighting technique :D