Phyllidiella granulata
Philippines · Indo Pacific - South China Sea
- Size
- 11–40 mm
- Native range
- Tropical western Pacific, from Micronesia and the Philippines to the Great Barrier Reef.
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Description
An oval phyllidiid nudibranch described from Guam in Brunckhorst's 1993 revision of the family. Its orange digestive gland presumably reflects the colour of its sponge prey.
Share link: https://seaslugs.org.il/species/phyllidiella-granulata-phillipines-indo-pacific-south-china-sea/
Identification
Granular grey to pale grey back with three irregular black bands encircling the centre, and conical, pointed white compound tubercles, the median ones tall. Rhinophores black with pointed tips. A diagnostic granular white-on-grey pattern is also visible on the foot sole.
Similar species
Phyllidiella pustulosa has a black background with pink tubercles and a grey underside; P. rudmani has a bright pink background with two black longitudinal stripes and rounded white-capped tubercles.
Habitat & diet
Habitat
Coral reefs; recorded at about 7–18 m.
Food
Like other phyllidiids, feeds on sponges.
