Common name: Phestilla lugubris

General information

Phestilla lugubris is a species of nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusk. This nudibranch is known for its distinct feeding habits, as it preys exclusively on certain species of corals. It has a slender, elongated body with a coloration that closely matches the corals it feeds on, which serves as an effective camouflage.

Care

Caring for Phestilla lugubris in a reef aquarium is not recommended due to its coral-eating nature. If kept in captivity, it requires a specific diet of the corals it preys on, which can be detrimental to a reef tank's ecosystem. Hobbyists should be cautious when introducing live rock or corals into their aquariums, as these nudibranchs can sometimes be inadvertently introduced.

Reproduction

Phestilla lugubris reproduces by laying egg ribbons on the substrate or on the coral it consumes. The larvae that hatch are planktonic before settling and developing into adults. In an aquarium setting, controlling their population is crucial to prevent damage to coral populations.

Symbiosis

While not a symbiotic relationship in the traditional sense, Phestilla lugubris has a specialized predatory relationship with certain corals. It is particularly adapted to feed on and camouflage with its prey, making it an interesting study in predator-prey dynamics within coral reef ecosystems.

Habitat

Phestilla lugubris is found in the Indo-Pacific region, often associated with coral reefs where its prey, typically species of the genus Porites, are abundant. It is a benthic creature, meaning it lives on the bottom of the ocean, and can be found at various depths where its prey corals thrive.