Scientific Name: Goniodoridella sp. 5 (NSSI 2)

Adult Size: 5mm
Depth Range: 2 – 10 m; usually seen on shallow reef slopes and under basaltic stones
Biotope / Habitat: Lives among encrusting bryozoans and tunicates on dead coral, rubble, or sponges where its prey grows
Diet: Specialized feeder on bryozoans; scrapes colonies with its radula and often camouflages perfectly against its food source
Reproduction: Simultaneous hermaphrodite; mates flank-to-flank and deposits small, coiled egg ribbons directly on bryozoan colonies. Eggs hatch into planktotrophic larvae that disperse before settling.
Fun Fact: Members of the genus Goniodoridella are tiny, cryptic nudibranchs often overlooked by divers. Their minuscules bodies, decorated with relief, make them superbly adapted to blend with their habitat—finding one is a real treasure for sharp-eyed macro hunters.

Tiny, delicate, and often no larger than a grain of rice, Goniodoridella sp. 5 is a nudibranch that rewards patient observation. Its subtle patterns and miniature size make it a hidden gem for underwater photographers, a reminder that beauty on the reef is often found in the smallest details.