Nudi Show

While photographing giant manta rays at Keauhou Bay, I happened upon two distinct species of nudibranchs during the course of the morning. The first was a Varicose Phyllidia (Phylidiella varicosa), a thick, robust slug which is sometimes referred to as a "fried egg nudibranch" due to its round yellow markings on an irregular white background.

Photos Copyright 2013 by Barry Fackler

Later, I found a small, pink-and-black Pustulose Phyllidia (Phylidiella pustulosa) slinking through some coral rubble appearing to be searching for cover.

Photos Copyright 2013 by Barry Fackler

I sometimes (maybe often) lament not being able to afford the expensive camera rigs the serious underwater photographers use. My equipment is just a compact "point-and-shoot" camera in a housing. However, those kits need to be set up specifically for macro or wide-angle prior to the dive. I would never have gotten photos of inch-long nudibranchs and mantas on the same dive with a "pro" kit. So, in a way, I have more flexibility and probably less frustration just taking underwater snapshots than trying to get on the cover of National Geographic.

Varicose Phyllidia

Photo Copyright 2013 by Barry Fackler

Hawai'i is not blessed with many nudibranchs like some of the more temperate dive spots in the world. What nudis we do have aren't often seen. I photographed this varicose phyllidia (Phyllidia varicosa) this past Sunday in shallow water at Honounau.

Photo Copyright 2013 by Barry Fackler

This is commonly referred to as the fried egg nudibranch owing to its unique yellow and white markings.