Regal Sea Goddess

Regal Sea Goddess
Felimare Picta

Deep blue gives this nudibranch its dramatic presence, while fine yellow lines and spots wander across the back in patterns that become more fragmented toward the edges. A vivid yellow border traces the mantle, echoed by the yellow details around the gills, creating a sharp contrast against the darker body. Long, flowing and unusually large for a nudibranch, the Regal Sea Goddess has a presence that makes its name feel entirely deserved.

• Size: Up to around 130 mm
• Range: Mediterranean Sea and eastern Atlantic, including the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands and Cape Verde, with populations also in the Gulf of Mexico
• Habitat / Depth: Rocky reefs and sponge-rich rocky walls, from shallow water to around 55 m
• Diet: Marine sponges, particularly species of Dysidea, Ircinia and Crella