Flamboyant Nudibranch

Photo: João Pedro Silva · CC BY-NC

This small but vivid nudibranch species reaches peak abundance on the Caleta de Fustes wrecks between February and May when bryozoan growth on the metal surfaces provides the food source these specialist predators require. Their brilliant pink and orange cerata contain cnidocysts harvested from the hydroids and bryozoans they consume, repurposed as a defensive weapon against predators that attempt to eat them. Night dives reveal congregations of individuals on the shallowest parts of the wreck structure, making them one of the primary macro targets for photographers visiting the site after dark.