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Pteraeolidia semperi

Blue Dragon

© Di Syrett / MacroDivers.com

About this species

Current scientific name
Pteraeolidia semperi
Common name
Blue Dragon
Previous names
Pteraeolidia ianthina
Previous genera
Flabellina
Order
Nudibranchia - Cladobranchia
Type
Aeolidina (Aeolid)
ID confidence
Confirmed
Genus
Pteraeolidia
Species
semperi
Average size
100 mm
Colours
white, blue, purple, brown, green
Body shape
Elongate
Rhinophores
Horizontal
Gills
Cerata

Geographic Distribution

Widespread in Indo-Pacific.

Identification

Very long nudibranch, making it difficult to photograph. Perfoliate rhinophores and oral tentacles. Although known as the Blue Dragon - not all individuals are blue. Many have cerata that are more brown than blue. The oral tentacles always have blue to purple bands.

General Notes

Originally described as Flabellina semperi and then for many years was mistakenly known as Pteraeolidia ianthina (which is now recognized as a separate Australian species).

Our Sightings

Anilao — 1 February 2026

Location seen
Anilao, Philippines
Date seen
2026-02-01

Lembeh — 7 September 2025

Location seen
Lembeh, Indonesia
Date seen
2025-09-07

About our records

All sightings and photographs on this page are from our own dives. Locations shown are places where we have personally recorded this species. About MacroDivers.