Pink Sponge Verconia

Verconia haliclona

Verconia haliclona is a colourful sea slug found in various regions of Australia, including New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. This species typically inhabits depths ranging from 0 to 20 meters. The body length of this nudibranch can vary between 6 mm and 18 mm, and its coloration can differ based on location, presenting shades of white, yellow, or pink. A notable feature includes small red or orange spots scattered across the mantle, along with a distinctive red or orange marking on the front of the rhinophores. Juveniles or specimens from Tasmania may exhibit a pale or absent orange edge on the mantle. Encounters with the Pink Sponge Verconia during dives can be intriguing, as divers may observe its slow-moving nature and the way it blends into its surroundings. This species is herbivorous, feeding primarily on sponges. Breeding habits are not detailed in the sources, but nudibranchs are generally known for their hermaphroditic reproduction, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs.