White Flabellina

Overview

The White Flabellina (Luisella babai) is a translucent, aeolid nudibranch known for its elegant, elongated form and delicate coloration. Originally described from the Mediterranean, this species is now recognized across the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, as well as along the eastern Atlantic coasts from Portugal to Senegal.

Appearance

This nudibranch typically reaches lengths of up to 50 mm. Its body is translucent white, sometimes displaying a faint bluish sheen, with a long, sharply pointed tail. A key identifying feature is the arrangement of its cerata, which are grouped in several distinct rows. These cerata are semi-translucent, revealing internal digestive glands that often appear yellow-orange toward the tips. The rhinophores are perfoliated and noticeably shorter than the long, smooth oral tentacles.

Distribution & habitat

Luisella babai is primarily found in rocky environments where hydroid colonies are abundant. It is commonly encountered at depths ranging from 5 to 50 meters.

Biology & behavior

Like other nudibranchs, this species is a hermaphrodite. It reproduces by laying spiral-shaped egg ribbons on the branches of its hydroid prey, from which veliger larvae eventually hatch. As an aeolid nudibranch, it possesses the ability to consume hydroids and incorporate their stinging cells (cnidocysts) for its own defense.

Feeding

This species is a specialized predator that feeds on various hydroid colonies. Documented prey includes hydroids from the genera Campanularia, Bougainvillia, Perigonimus, and Eudendrium, which it consumes using a specialized, serrated radula.