Solar-Powered Phyllodesmium

Phyllodesmium longicirrum

Solar-Powered Phyllodesmium (Phyllodesmium longicirrum)

Max Size

See in App

Max Weight

Max Depth

m

Phyllodesmium longicirrum is a species of sea slug, an aeolid nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Facelinidae.

Distribution

The distribution of Phyllodesmium longicirrum includes Australia and Indonesia.

Description

This is a very large species, growing to at least 140 mm. Phyllodesmium longicirrum contains photosynthetic zooxanthellae, which allow it to draw energy from sunlight, hence its common name, the solar-powered phyllodesmium. This is actually a misleading name, as several other species of Phyllodesmium are also capable of photosynthesis, although this is developed to the greatest extreme in this species.

Ecology

Phyllodesmium longicirrum feeds on soft coral Sarcophyton trocheliophorum (family Alcyoniidae).

Colors

transparent
white
brown
purple

Habitat and Environment

Benthic

Social Behaviour

Association

Similar Species

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Solar-Powered Phyllodesmium dangerous?

Solar-Powered Phyllodesmium has no known danger to humans. However, always observe marine life responsibly.

Where can you find Solar-Powered Phyllodesmium?

Lembeh Island Malaysia East Sulawesi Island Australia Japan South +8 more in Seabook
Get Seabook
iOS Android