What's New

One of the most unique types of nudibranch is the Solar Powered nudibranch (Phyllodesmium longicirrum). Solar powered nudibranch feed on soft corals and they are able to remove the algae (zooxanthellae) intact from the coral’s tissues and store it in their cerata. The intact algae continues to photosynthesize within the cerata and begins to supply the nudibranch with an ongoing supply of manufactured sugars. In this image you can see the clusters of algae just below the surface of the nudibranch's skin.

59 / 135

One of the most unique types of nudibranch is the Solar Powered nudibranch (Phyllodesmium longicirrum). Solar powered nudibranch feed on soft corals and they are able to remove the algae (zooxanthellae) intact from the coral’s tissues and store it in their cerata. The intact algae continues to photosynthesize within the cerata and begins to supply the nudibranch with an ongoing supply of manufactured sugars. In this image you can see the clusters of algae just below the surface of the nudibranch's skin.

Greg Sherman Indonesea Komodo No Bad Dives SmugMug Solitude WhatsNew