Depth
Flabellina · Molluscs (Octopus, Nudibranchs & Shellfish)

Mediterranean Violet Aeolid

Flabellina affinis

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 affinis

Mollusc

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationA small, delicate nudibranch with a translucent violet to purple body and clusters of cerata along its back. The cerata are violet with lighter tips. The rhinophores are smooth and the oral tentacles are long and slender.
  • SizeBody length up to 5 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary. Found on or near hydroid colonies. Slow-moving and conspicuous due to its colour.
  • HabitatRocky reefs and walls where hydroid colonies grow. Prefers vertical surfaces and overhangs.
  • Depth2 to 50 m. Found across its depth range on suitable rocky habitat.
  • Feeds OnHydroids, particularly Eudendrium species. Recycles the stinging cells of its prey for its own defence.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent eastern Atlantic. Common in Maltese waters.
  • DescriptionFlabellina affinis is one of the most frequently seen nudibranchs in Malta and one of the easiest to identify, thanks to its all-over violet colouring. It is often found on rocky walls covered in feathery hydroid colonies, which are both its food source and its habitat. Like other aeolid nudibranchs, it stores functional stinging cells in the tips of its cerata, turning its prey's weapons into its own.

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.

Mediterranean Violet Aeolid species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Feeds on hydroids, especially Eudendrium, delicately consuming polyps with its radula and sequestering their nematocysts in its violet-tipped cerata.

Hydroid feeder

Reproduction

A simultaneous hermaphrodite that lays small spiral egg ribbons on hydroid colonies. Larvae emerge as planktonic veligers and settle near suitable prey.

Hermaphrodite

Behaviour & Defence

Vivid violet cerata tips serve as aposematic colouration, advertising the stored nematocysts within that can sting any predator that bites.

Stolen stingers

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Flabellina affinis. 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