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Chinese Dragon Nudibranch, Blue Dragon Nudibranch
Pteraeolidia ianthina
13.689, 120.891
Field Notes
Description:
"Variable in color ranging from pure white in juveniles to brown, green or blue. Color depends on the amount of symbiotic zooxanthella living in the tissues. Always has 2 - 6 mauve bands around the oral tentacle" Source:- Neville Coleman's Marine Life eGuide Pteraeolidia ianthina, commonly known as the 'Blue Dragon' by divers in eastern Australia, is one of a group of remarkable aeolid nudibranchs which are way ahead of man in harnessing solar energy. Pteraeolidia has evolved a method of capturing and farming microscopic plants (zooxanthellae) in its own body. The plants flourish in this protected environment and as they convert the sun's energy into sugars, they pass a significant proportion on to the nudibranch for its own use. Source - http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/pteriant
Tips of cerata have nematocysts and can inflict a painful sting to humans.
Notes:
Had 3 spottings of this nudibranch in a new dive site. First time to see the green coloration with curled-up cerata. (All 3 spotted on the dive where similar). Other spottings previously posted here where of the white, brown and blue variations and with straight cerata. This one was about 15 cm. Depth of about 4 m. Secret Garden, Anilao, Batangas, Philippines
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