Phestilla viei

Discover the Elusive Phestilla viei at The Three P Beach Resort

The Phestilla viei, first described only in 2020, represents one of the most exciting recent discoveries in the world of nudibranchs that you can encounter while scuba diving in Romblon, Philippines. This remarkable species was named in honor of Vietnamese marine biologist Nguyen Thanh Viet, adding a fascinating piece to the rich tapestry of marine biodiversity found around our dive resort.

What makes this nudibranch particularly special for underwater photography enthusiasts is its distinctive appearance. The Phestilla viei features a translucent body adorned with intricate brown or reddish-brown patterns and distinctive cerata (finger-like projections) along its back. The species typically measures between 15-20 millimeters, making it a challenging but rewarding subject for macro photography specialists visiting The Three P Beach Resort.

Unlike many other nudibranchs, Phestilla viei has a unique ecological relationship with hard corals, specifically feeding on members of the Porites genus. This specialized diet not only makes it an interesting subject for marine biology enthusiasts but also helps our dive guides predict where to find these elegant creatures during your dives.

At our dive resort, you’re most likely to encounter these fascinating nudibranchs at depths between 5-15 meters, particularly in areas with healthy Porites coral coverage. Morning dives often provide the best conditions for spotting and photographing these cryptic creatures, as they tend to be more active during these hours.

The presence of Phestilla viei in Romblon’s waters underscores the exceptional marine diversity that makes our region a premier destination for critter hunting and underwater photography. Our experienced dive guides specialize in locating these elusive creatures, ensuring that photographers and marine life enthusiasts alike have the opportunity to observe and document this remarkable species.

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Phestilla viei is listed as Tenellia sp. 83 in the latest edition of Nudibranchs & Sea Slug Identification Indo-Pacific (NSSI).