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Solar Powered Nudibranch

Phyllodesmium longicirrum

Photo by AlbertKang
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

The Solar-Powered Nudibranch (SPN) grows to 15 cm in size and is the biggest member of the phyllodensium genus nudibranch.

The solar powered nudibranchs are not only amazing from a photographic standpoint but from a scientific angle as well. They consumes zooxanthellae algae from the octocorals they live on without harming the algae. The living algae survive in symbiosis within the nudibranch and photosynthesise simple sugar from sunlight as a food source.

The brown patches of algae on the cerata of this large nudi can be thought of as solar panels. Take note of the digestive tracks attached to the underside of each algae patch — this is the power plant where the energy conversion from sunlight energy to chemical energy occurs.

Habitat:

Tropical reefs

Reference Links:

Phyllodesmium longicirrum

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (7)
Fyn Kynd
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
AntónioGinjaGinja
Wow,another super spotting Albert ,great info,congrats and thanks for sharing
AlbertKang
Thanks, @StirredMocha and @Mark. And Mark, this is really one of a kind Nudibranch and also a rare find.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Global Coral Reef Monitoring
Mission
Opisthobranchs & Nudibranchs of the World
Mission
Mission WILD
Mission
National Geographic's Great Nature Project

Tags

Photographed
PublishedSeptember 21, 2014

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