Scientists have discovered two new species of wart sea slugs — Phyllidia ovata and Phyllidia fontjei — in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, highlighting the region’s rich marine biodiversity.
The international team of five women researchers identified these species through years of underwater photography and physical specimens. Phyllidia ovata, medium-sized and brightly patterned, had been photographed across Asia for over two decades before being officially classified. The smaller Phyllidia fontjei, named after Indonesian scientist Dr. Fontje Kaligis, was found primarily in the Andaman Sea.
Citizen scientists played a crucial role, with divers’ images on platforms like iNaturalist helping map these species. The discovery underscores Indonesia’s importance in marine research and the growing impact of global collaboration and citizen science in uncovering hidden biodiversity.
