2026 · Photo: Boaz Liebes
Marioniopsis arborescens
Bushy lacedragon
Philippines · Indo Pacific - South China Sea
- Size
- 40–60 mm · max 100 mm
- Native range
- Indo-West Pacific, including Indonesia and the Philippines.
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Description
A tritoniid nudibranch named for its tree-like branched gills. Like other tritoniids it preys on octocorals. Described from Ambon, Indonesia.
Share link: https://seaslugs.org.il/species/marioniopsis-arborescens-phillipines-indo-pacific-south-china-sea/
Identification
Broad, flattened body, pale yellowish-green to greenish-yellow, with small rounded or short conical knobs on the back. Oral veil fringed with finger-like papillae of varying size; rhinophores retract into sheaths. Usually about four tree-like branched gills along each side, greener than the body.
Similar species
Other Marioniopsis (e.g. M. hawaiiensis, M. elongoreticulata) and Marionia species differ in colour pattern and gill shape.
Habitat & diet
Habitat
Coral-reef sand and rubble; records from around 7 m.
Food
Like other tritoniids, feeds on octocorals.