Bicolor Nudibranch

Samla bicolor

Samla bicolor is a small sea slug that can grow to a maximum length of 20 mm. It has a translucent body with white tips on its oral tentacles, and features an orange band near the tips of the rhinophores and on each of the cerata. This species shows slight differences in coloration and the shape of its oral tentacles based on its geographical location, indicating that it may belong to a complex of closely related species. This nudibranch is found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, having originally been described from Ceylon. In Hawaii, it is commonly located in areas such as Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Niihau, Laysan, Midway, and Kure. It typically resides in shallow waters, with most recorded occurrences at depths shallower than 40 meters, and many found at depths less than 20 meters. Samla bicolor feeds on small invertebrates, which it grazes in its habitat. Although specific breeding behaviors are not detailed in the sources, nudibranchs are generally known for their hermaphroditic reproduction and may be observed mating during dives. Encounters with this nudibranch can be interesting, as divers may see it moving slowly along the substrate or among corals, often camouflaging with its environment. The conservation status of Samla bicolor is not evaluated in the sources, and its frequency in various dive sites suggests it is relatively common in suitable habitats.