Indian phidiana (Phidiana indica)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Phidiana indica
- Common name
- Indian phidiana
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Facelinidae
- Genus
- Phidiana
- Size
- 2–4 cm
- Depth
- 5–25 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, slow-mover
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific
Description
Phidiana indica reaches 4 cm. Small aeolid nudibranch (Facelinidae) Indo-Pacific with translucent white body with orange-red to orange-brown cerata tipped vivid white, orange lamellate rhinophores, long cephalic tentacles. Lives from 5 to 25 m on coral and rocky reefs of Indo-Pacific. Aggressive hydroid predator, reputed cannibal and territorial towards other nudibranchs. Sought-after macro photo subject for its contrasted cerata.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Indian phidiana?
- Indian phidiana (Phidiana indica) reaches 2–4 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Indian phidiana?
- Indian phidiana is found between 5–25 m deep.
- Is the Indian phidiana dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Indian phidiana?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Indian phidiana?
- Found in: Asian Pacific.
Other species in the family Facelinidae
- Cratena peregrina - Peregrine aeolid
- Pteraeolidia ianthina - Blue dragon aeolid
- Cratena minor - Smaller cratena
- Caloria indica - Indian caloria
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 138720)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4360290)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia