We have found specimens of Phidiana indica at Enewetak and Kwajalein Atolls in a variety of lagoon reef, pinnacle, and seaward reef habitats. At Kwajalein, it seems to prefer living around shallow seaward reef Millepora coralheads, where it appears to graze on hydroids in ledges around the Millepora. Lengths of the animals have ranged from 15 to 30mm. Another animal we are calling Phidiana sp. e551 may also represent Phidiana indica, even though there are some differences in color on the cephalic tentacles and head. This species is often placed in the genus Caloria. We have no particular reason to prefer one genus over the other and have simply followed the lead of the Sea Slug Forum for this species. We have also seen specimens in Hawaii, Pohnpei, and the Solomons.
The circular structures behind the rhinophores below are the egg masses of a parasitic copepod.
The specimen in the two photos below was photographed on a Kwajalein lagoon reef at a depth of about 7m on 24 May 2009.
The small specimen below was found on hydroids growing under a floating dock in Kwajalein Harbor.
Created 8 January 2007
Updated 10 November 2011