Vayssierea felis

Vayssierea felis is a small, red-orange nudibranch that can reach a size of up to 6 mm. This species is typically found in the intertidal zone, often associated with Spirorbis tube worms, which constitute its primary diet. Originally described from the South China Sea, it has been documented in a broader range across the Indo-West Pacific and even in non-native areas such as San Diego, California. Divers may encounter this nudibranch while exploring shallow waters, particularly in regions where Spirorbis tube worms are abundant. The species reproduces through direct development, laying egg masses that contain 3 to 5 eggs. The exact taxonomic classification of Vayssierea felis remains a topic of discussion among scientists, with some suggesting that all Vayssierea species may actually represent a single species with a wide distribution. This nudibranch is generally found at depths shallower than 40 meters, with the majority of occurrences recorded at depths around 20 meters or less.