Variable Nudibranch

Chromodoris magnifica

The variable nudibranch (Chromodoris magnifica) is a strikingly beautiful sea slug found across the tropical Indo-West Pacific, from Indonesia and the Philippines to Australia and the western Pacific. Adults reach approximately 5-6 cm in length. The body displays a vivid blue to blue-white central region bordered by a bright orange or yellow mantle margin, with a white band separating the two colors. The rhinophores and gill plume are typically orange to yellow. As suggested by its common name, color intensity and pattern can vary between individuals and populations, though the basic blue-white-orange theme remains consistent. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates at depths of 5-30 meters, where they feed on specific sponge species. Like other chromodorid nudibranchs, they sequester toxic compounds from their sponge prey, which provides chemical defense against predators. Their bold warning colors advertise this toxicity. Variable nudibranchs are hermaphroditic and lay distinctive spiral egg ribbons on the reef. They are among the most commonly photographed nudibranchs in the Indo-Pacific, and dive guides actively search for them to delight macro photography enthusiasts visiting sites in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea.