SEA SLUGS
Nudibranch are one of the most amazing creatures to exist in our oceans.
WHAT ARE NUDIBRANCH?
Nudibranch, or easier know as sea slugs, are literally the slugs of the sea. They occur worldwide in all oceans, and boast over 3000 species. Nudibranch are extremely varied in appearance; from their size, to colour and overall shape and texture, they some of the most stunning marine animals to observe.
Coral Nudibranch, Seaforth
The stunning colours and shapes of the nudibranch is one of its most striking physical features, however this beauty serves more than just aesthetic. The colours each nudibranch boasts, are dictated by the food which they eat. Additionally they are able to ingest any toxins or poisons from the food, and store them for defence as to deter predators.
Crowned Nudibranch Mating, Seaforth
Nudibranch reproduction is equally if not more fascinating. Nudibranch possess male and female sex organs. This means when nudibranch mate, both will fertilize each others eggs, and both will lay eggs. Mating occurs when both nudibranch align their right side to one another; A small pouch then emerges from each nudibranch, and sperm transfer is initiated. The egg ribbon laid by the nudibranch is unique to the species; this makes identifying and locating nudibranch from their eggs more simple.
Orange eyed Nudibranch, Castle Rocks
Nudibranch are a truly unique species. They breath through gills on their back, have chemical receptors on their heads used to smell. Some nudibranch are solar powered, and from the algae they eat, live purely off the sugars produced by the algae during photosynthesis. This means they need only to eat a finite amount of food, and they have sufficient food for life. New species of this marine slug are being discovered almost daily, and they are certainly one of my favourite creatures to observe.