• Location: Romblon Island

  • Depth: shallow to medium depth

  • Cover Photo: Oksana Maksymova

  • Scientific Name: Doto ussi, Ortea, 1982

Doto usii, often affectionately referred to as the Grape Doto, is a captivating species of nudibranch, renowned for its unique appearance. This tiny marine creature is characterized by its cluster-like body shape, reminiscent of a bunch of grapes, hence its common name.
The Grape Doto typically exhibits a yellowish or bluish-grey coloration, adding to its resemblance to a bunch of grapes. Its body is segmented into numerous small, bulbous structures that give it a distinctive, clustered look. It is relatively small compared to other nudibranch species, Doto usii usually measures only around 1 cm in length
This nudibranch is often found in marine environments, specifically associated with hydrozoa, which serve as its primary food source.
Doto usii is a carnivore, feeding exclusively on hydrozoa polyps, particularly those belonging to the genus Aglaophenia cupressina, where it can be observed and photographed by scuba divers and underwater photographers visiting Romblon Island, Philippines.