Common name: Phyllidiopsis pipeki

General information

The Phyllidiopsis pipeki, commonly known as the Pipeki Nudibranch, is a distinctive and colorful member of the nudibranch family. These sea slugs are known for their striking appearance, with a combination of blue, black, and white colors that provide them with excellent camouflage against the reef.

Nudibranchs are celebrated for their extraordinary diversity and beauty, and the Pipeki Nudibranch is no exception. It is a sought-after species for advanced marine aquarists who appreciate its unique aesthetics and behavior.

Care

Caring for Phyllidiopsis pipeki requires a well-established reef aquarium with stable water conditions. They are sensitive to water quality and require a tank with low nitrate levels and no copper presence. A varied diet of sponges, which they naturally feed on in the wild, is essential for their survival in captivity.

Reproduction

Like many nudibranchs, Phyllidiopsis pipeki is a hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. They can self-fertilize or mate with another individual. The eggs are laid in a ribbon-like gelatinous mass, which is often attached to the substrate or a hard surface.

Habitat

Phyllidiopsis pipeki is found in the tropical Indo-Pacific region, typically on coral reefs where it feeds on specific types of sponges. They are benthic creatures, meaning they live on the bottom of their habitat, often seen crawling over the substrate or the reef structure.