4 minute read
CYERCE NUDIBRANCHS JEWELS OF THE OCEAN
TEXT & IMAGES BY ADAM SOKOLSKI
Cyerce nudibranchs are among the most extraordinary and graceful creatures one can encounter underwater. These tiny yet mesmerising molluscs from the family Caliphyllidae possess a near-fairytale quality—as if they were plucked from another reality, woven from mist, glass, and light. Delicate and filigree-like, they’re nearly transparent, and their cerata—the frilly extensions on their backs—look like glass petals swaying with the rhythm of the ocean.
I’ve been photographing nudibranchs for years, but Cyerce hold a special place in my heart. They are beautiful, unique, and… completely addictive. Each encounter feels like discovering a new gem on the ocean floor.
Delicacy and Camouflage
What fascinates me most is the contrast between their ethereal appearance and their evolved survival strategies. Their cerata function is respiration, but they also serve as both adornment and defence, providing camouflage, and often containing stinging cells (borrowed from their prey like sea anemones or jellyfish). These cerata can even be shed (much like a lizard’s tail) when the nudibranch feels threatened. The body of a Cyerce is often almost translucent, with subtle iridescent patterns or colourful highlights edging the cerata. Up close, they resemble glass sculptures—fragile yet intricate.
Tropical Trails
These sea slugs inhabit warm, tropical waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
You can find them on coral reefs, among algae, seagrass, or soft corals, where they feed and seek shelter. They typically range from just a few millimetres to a few centimetres long, making them hard to spot without patience, a trained eye, or, more often than not, a knowledgeable local guide.
Romblon and Other Underwater Meccas
The island of Romblon in the Philippines is considered one of the best places in the world to observe and photograph Cyerce species. It’s a true paradise for macro enthusiasts and divers seeking underwater treasures. I recently had the chance to visit this island with a group of underwater photographers. Thanks to the excellent guides from Sunset Cove Romblon Dive Resort, who know the local reefs inside and out, we were able to find several Cyerce species and capture some truly satisfying shots.
While Romblon has become my personal “Cyerce mecca,” I’ve also encountered these nudibranchs in other parts of the Indo-Pacific—such as Tulamben in Bali, and Pemba and Zanzibar in East Africa. Each location offers something unique, but they all share one thing: the incredible biodiversity of the underwater world and the opportunity to encounter these tiny yet stunning reef dwellers.
A Photographic Challenge
Capturing a Cyerce on camera is not an easy task. They are small—some nearly transparent—and often surprisingly quick. Lighting is key: the angle, the softness of the flash, and the interplay of shadows that bring out their delicate structures without overexposing the details. Sometimes it takes angelic patience and dozens of attempts before that perfect moment arrives—when the nudibranch strikes the ideal pose or gently unfurls its cerata.
My Favourite Cyerce Encounters
Over the course of my travels, I’ve been lucky enough to photograph several truly remarkable members of this genus:
Cyerce nigra – with a semi-transparent body and smoky dark cerata often adorned with a subtle yellow pattern. Mysterious and elegant.
Cyerce bourbonica – whose cerata resemble flower petals: semi-transparent with yellowish or orangey tones, bordered by white edges with pink highlights. A pure poem of form.
Cyerce cristallina – looks like it’s made of ice. Its nearly invisible body and iridescent cerata make it one of the most delicate species I’ve seen.
Cyerce elegans – a slender body with colourful, semi-transparent cerata decorated with bold, contrasting patterns. Beautiful, just as the name suggests.
Cyerce kikutarobabai – reminds me of a tiny underwater butterfly. Its greenish body and cerata splashed with white, purple, and orange are an explosion of colour.
Each species has its own unique charm and character. Photographing them feels like curating a miniature art gallery made of microscopic masterpieces.
In Conclusion
For me, Cyerce nudibranchs aren’t just some sea slugs to check off a list—they’re kind of the whole reason I love underwater photography. It’s about slowing down, noticing the little things, and getting totally lost in the tiny details. In a world that’s always in a rush, these little guys are a reminder to pause, breathe, and really look around. Because sometimes, hidden in the seagrass or tucked into the coral, there’s this tiny, almost alien-like creature just hanging out—and for a moment, it makes everything feel a little more magical.
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