Depth
Flabellina · Molluscs (Octopus, Nudibranchs & Shellfish)

Flabellina Nudibranch

Flabellina ischitana

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Mollusca
Genus Flabellina
Species ischitana

Mollusc

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationA small, striking nudibranch with a translucent purple to violet body and clusters of bright cerata along its back, each tipped with a ring of colour. The rhinophores are prominent and smooth. One of several similar Flabellina species in the Mediterranean.
  • SizeBody length up to 4 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary. Found crawling on or near its hydroid prey. Slow-moving and conspicuous due to its bright colouring.
  • HabitatRocky reefs and walls where hydroid colonies grow. Often found on vertical surfaces.
  • Depth2 to 40 m. Found throughout its depth range on suitable habitat.
  • Feeds OnHydroids, particularly species of Eudendrium. Stores stolen stinging cells in its cerata tips for defence.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea. Present in Maltese waters.
  • DescriptionFlabellina ischitana is one of several closely related purple-bodied nudibranchs found in the Mediterranean. Distinguishing between Flabellina species often requires close examination of cerata shape and colour banding. Like other aeolid nudibranchs, it recycles the stinging cells of its hydroid prey for its own defence, concentrating them in the tips of the finger-like cerata on its back.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Flabellina Nudibranch species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Specialises in feeding on hydroids such as Eudendrium, using its radula to consume polyps. It incorporates the hydroids' unfired nematocysts into its own cerata tips.

Hydroid feeder

Reproduction

Lays a characteristic spiral ribbon of eggs, usually pink or white, directly on or adjacent to hydroid colonies to ensure newly hatched larvae have immediate access to food.

Hermaphrodite

Behaviour & Defence

Bright pink and purple colouration serves as aposematic warning. Functional nematocysts stored in cerata tips provide a painful sting to would-be predators.

Warning colours

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Flabellina ischitana. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

View dive site ›
18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide