Scientific Name: Phyllidia varicosa
Common Name: Varicose phyllidia

Adult Size: 30 – 60 mm
Depth Range: 5 – 30 m
Biotope / Habitat: Coral reef slopes and rocky outcrops, usually near sponges and encrusting invertebrates
Diet: Sponge feeder, using its radula to gently scrape and consume sponge tissue for nourishment and chemical defense
Reproduction: Hermaphroditic; mates reciprocally, with coiled, ribbon-like egg masses laid in protected reef areas
Fun Fact: Phyllidia varicosa is one of the most recognizable nudibranchs in the Indo-Pacific, with its grey-blue body, bright yellow tubercles, and striking black longitudinal lines!

This robust nudibranch’s bold coloration and texture make it a highlight for divers and underwater photographers, offering a vivid glimpse into the reef’s hidden life.