Encyclopedia

Chromodoris Reticulata This nudibranch carries a finely etched cloak, its pale body mapped with a tight web of rust-colored lines that intersect and wander across its back like hand-drawn filigree. The smooth white edge frames the pattern cleanly, while two slender rhinophores and a soft, fan-shaped gill crown rise in bright orange, marking the head and tail with delicate, flame-like accents as it moves slowly over the reef. Size: Up to 45 mmRange: Indo-Pacific; from Indonesia and the Philippines to Papua New Guinea and nearby western Pacific islandsHabitat / Depth: Coral reefs and rocky slopes, found at depths of 5–30...

Tambja Morosa This somber nudibranch glides across the reef in deep midnight tones, its charcoal-black body washed with subtle hints of indigo and slate. Thin streaks of electric blue trace faint lines along its mantle, while its rhinophores and feathery gills rise in muted violet hues, giving the animal a dark, brooding elegance that lives up to its gloomy name. Size: Up to 70 mmRange: Indo-Pacific; from Japan and Taiwan to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New GuineaHabitat / Depth: Coral reefs and rocky substrates, found at depths of 5–30 mDiet: Feeds on bryozoans, particularly species within the genus Sessibugula.

Chromodoris Willani This vibrant nudibranch drifts over the reef like a living sapphire, its rich blue mantle scattered with small black spots that resemble drops of ink on velvet. A thin ribbon of bright yellow traces the edge of its body, while its tall rhinophores and feathery gill plume glow in warm orange tones, creating a striking contrast that makes it instantly recognizable against coral and sponge. Size: Up to 45 mmRange: Indo-Pacific; from the Philippines and Indonesia to Papua New Guinea and the western Pacific islandsHabitat / Depth: Coral reefs and rocky slopes, found at depths of 5–30 mDiet:...

Regal Sea GoddessFelimare picta This bold nudibranch moves across the reef like a painted banner, its deep cobalt-blue mantle streaked with winding black lines that form flowing, calligraphic patterns along its back. A broad ribbon of bright yellow frames its body, while its tall rhinophores and feathery gill plume rise in matching yellow, giving the animal a vivid, heraldic presence that is unmistakable even from a distance. Size: Up to 70 mmRange: Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean; from Portugal and Spain through the Mediterranean Sea and parts of West AfricaHabitat / Depth: Rocky reefs and sponge-covered substrates, found at depths of...

Synchiropus Splendidus This small reef dweller glides across the seabed like a living mosaic, its skin painted in swirling bands of electric blue, emerald, and fiery orange. Large, expressive eyes sit atop a gently sloping head, while its flowing dorsal fin rises like a delicate sail, giving the fish an almost mythical presence among coral and rubble. Size: Up to 70 mmRange: Western Pacific; from the Philippines and Indonesia to Australia and MicronesiaHabitat / Depth: Shallow coral reefs, lagoons, and rubble zones, found at depths of 1–18 mDiet: Feeds on small crustaceans, copepods, and other tiny benthic invertebrates.

Nembrotha Cristata   This striking nudibranch moves like a jeweled ember across the reef, its dark body washed in deep forest green and midnight blue. Thin lines of glowing orange trace its contours, while its raised ridges and knobby textures give it a sculpted, almost armored appearance. Bright orange rhinophores and gills crown its back like small flames, marking every slow, deliberate step with vivid contrast. Size: Up to 80 mmRange: Indo-Pacific; from Indonesia and the Philippines to Papua New Guinea and northern AustraliaHabitat / Depth: Coral reefs and rocky substrates, found at depths of 5–30 mDiet: Feeds primarily on...