Brazilian Aeolid

Spurilla braziliana

Spurilla braziliana is a shell-less marine gastropod with an elongated body that tapers at the front and is rounded at the back. Its body is adorned with cerata, which are tentacle-like structures that can vary in color depending on the individual's age. Young specimens are typically creamy white, while adults present a tan coloration with wide dots and darker brown cerata that have white tips. Some parts of the nudibranch may also exhibit orange hues. This species can reach lengths of around 25 mm. The Brazilian Aeolid is found in tropical and subtropical regions, with a distribution that includes the Caribbean Sea, Florida, Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and parts of the Pacific Ocean, such as the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It inhabits benthic environments and is typically recorded at depths shallower than 40 meters, with most occurrences at depths under 20 meters. Feeding primarily on small invertebrates, Spurilla braziliana is a solitary species that can be encountered while diving in various habitats, including coral reefs and rocky areas. Observers may note its distinctive cerata and coloration, which help differentiate it from similar nudibranchs. The species has not been evaluated for conservation status, and its rarity is not specified, indicating it may be relatively common in suitable environments.