Depth
Flabellina · Molluscs (Octopus, Nudibranchs & Shellfish)

White Flabellina Nudibranch

Flabellina babai

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 babai

Mollusc

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationA small, translucent white nudibranch with clusters of cerata along its back. The cerata are tipped with white or very pale colours. The body is slender and delicate with smooth rhinophores.
  • SizeBody length up to 3 cm. A small and delicate species.
  • Social HabitSolitary. Found on or near hydroid colonies. Slow-moving.
  • HabitatRocky reefs and walls with hydroid growth. Prefers shaded surfaces.
  • Depth5 to 40 m.
  • Feeds OnHydroids. Stores stinging cells from its prey in the cerata tips for its own defence.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea. Present in Maltese waters.
  • DescriptionFlabellina babai is one of the smaller and more subtle nudibranchs found on Maltese reefs. Its pale, translucent body makes it harder to spot than its more colourful relatives such as Flabellina affinis or Cratena peregrina. Look closely at hydroid colonies on shaded walls and overhangs for the best chance of finding this species.

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.

White Flabellina Nudibranch species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Feeds on hydroids, particularly Eudendrium and Tubularia colonies, using its radula to consume polyps. It retains undigested nematocysts in its translucent white cerata.

Hydroid feeder

Reproduction

A simultaneous hermaphrodite that deposits coiled white egg ribbons on hydroid stems. Larvae hatch as planktonic veligers before settling near suitable prey colonies.

Hermaphrodite

Behaviour & Defence

Despite its pale, conspicuous appearance, loaded nematocysts in its cerata tips deliver a painful sting. Its white colouration may also help it blend with light-coloured hydroid substrates.

Stolen stingers

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

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