• Location: Romblon Island

  • Depth: shallow / medium depth

  • Cover Photo: Wolfgang Holz

  • Scientific Name: Phyllodesmium longicirrum (Bergh, 1905)

Phyllodesmium longicirrum is the largest known Phyllodesmium species. As they have symbiotic zooxanthellae (photosynthetic organisms, which contain chlorophyll) they were given the nickname ‘Solar-powered Phyllodesmium’ or ‘Solar-powered Nudibranch’. They derive much of their nutritional needs from their symbiotic zooxanthellae, but they also feed on soft corals like Sarcophyton sp..