Location: Romblon Island
Depth: shallow / medium depth
Cover Photo: Wolfgang Holz
Scientific Name: Phyllodesmium longicirrum (Bergh, 1905)
Family: Myrrhinidae
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..