2026 · Photo: Boaz Liebes
Phestilla lugubris
Philippines · Indo Pacific - South China Sea
- Size
- max 40 mm
- Native range
- Tropical Indo-West Pacific.
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Description
A cryptic aeolid that feeds on Porites corals, eating both polyps and tissue. Feeding leaves bright white scars on the coral, often the best clue to its presence. It can shed sticky cerata in defence.
Share link: https://seaslugs.org.il/species/phestilla-lugubris-phillipines-indo-pacific-south-china-sea/
Identification
Dull, coral-coloured body (greyish to brownish) blending with Porites; numerous cerata with swollen white tips. No cnidosacs.
Similar species
Phestilla sibogae and P. minor also live on Porites; P. minor is much smaller (under about 9 mm), and P. sibogae is separated mainly by genetics and radular details.
Habitat & diet
Habitat
On Porites colonies on reefs, often in very shallow water.
Food
Stony corals of the genus Porites.