I would like to thank my brother, Clayton, for inspiring today’s fact as well as passing on some information. Today we are going to head to the ocean to learn about a pretty cool mollusk. The Nudibranch is actually a shell-less mollusk and part of the sea-slug family. There are about 3000 nudibranch species and believe it or not, new ones are being identified daily. Maybe we will discover a new species on our trip today.
The first thing you will notice and probably the most fascinating thing about this slug is the impressive colours. The nudibranch has some of the most unique shapes, amazing colours and interesting patterns of any animal on earth. Who would have thought that a slug could be so cool? The slugs get their colours from the food that they eat and some of them even keep the poison they obtain from ingesting certain prey species. Basically, the colours help camoflage the slug while the poison helps defend against predators. It is pretty cool to think their food source provides them with the self-defense mechanisms needed to survive in the wild. These particular slugs can be as small as 6 mm (0.25″) or as large as 31 cm (1′) long. This is quite the size range. Even more astounding is the fact that the larger slugs can get up to 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs). Could you imagine a foot long slug weighing over 3 lbs hanging out around your house?
The nudibranch will slowly make its way across the ocean floor feeding on algae, coral, sponges and other nudibranch’s. They are able to distinguish their prey by using two highly sensitive tentacles located on the top of their head. These tentacles are called rhinophores and basically work in the same way as our noses. This sense of “smell” provides the slug with all the information they need to identify their surroundings. In order to protect these highly sensitive organs the nudibranch is able to retract them at will.
Nudibranch Fast Fact – Some nudibranchs will actually store algae in their tissues. What is the point of this you ask? Well, the slug is able to live off of the sugars that the algae produces as a result of photosynthesis. Pretty clever, eh?
Before you go, I recommend you check out these photos from National Geographic. It will give you an idea of some of the variations of Nudibranch that exist in the depths of the ocean. The link is:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/06/nudibranchs/doubilet-photography
Have a great day and Smile!
They’re awesome animals! We keep a saltwater reef tank, and I’d love to get one.
That is awesome that you have a saltwater reef tank. I bet you have all kinds of interesting things in that tank. A sea-slug would be a nice addition to a reef tank!
Thanks for stopping by Wild Facts.
I viewed the photos, that is amazing. What an impressive and colourful slimy species. Makes our backyard slug seem so boring.
I know, I am disappointed with our boring slugs. We need to take a trip and find some of these colourful ones!
Gorgeous mollusks! They don’t even look real.
I know what you mean Janiss! I had to do some research to make sure that the photograph at the bottom of the post wasn’t Photo-shopped.
They are impressive looking though, aren’t they?
I’m sure I’ve seen these in some animated shows. The one below looks like it is reading.
hahahaha!
Perhaps, sea-slugs are avid readers. Maybe I should try targeting the nudibranch to get new readers for Wild Facts.
What a great site! I look forward to reading and learning more!
I found you by searching “location: Yukon” in blogger. I’m glad I did!
Welcome to Wild Facts, Krista!
I am very happy that you stumbled upon our little animal fact website. As well, it is always nice to find more bloggers from the Yukon.
I recommend everyone clicks on Krista’s name because she has a really nice photo-blog going on over there. Check out some of her photos. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
I hope to see you around!
Nathan
Wow even I could put up with these and you know how I detest slugs. They are absolutely beautiful. Isn’t it amazing all the wild life on this earth…wow very impressive.
I am impressed that you are willing to put up with these slugs. I figured you would be the one person that wouldn’t like them.
It is mind boggling when you think of all the amazing animals that we share this world with.
All I can say is: WOW! What slugs! I had to do a research paper on mollusks, but all my options seemed….well, gross and slimy. And I didn’t want to do a paper on something all icky. I’m so glad this site was here for me to stumble upon and learn about these amazing and colorful Nudibranchs (or is it Nudibranches?). Anyway, great information and pictures you got here! I plan on using this site for more upcoming research papers. =)
Hi Mandy,
They have to be the most impressive slugs that I am aware of. They are much nicer looking than the regular old slugs we find around the house.
I am glad you were able to find Wild Facts useful and thanks for the compliment.
If you ever have questions about anything than please don’t hesitate to contact me via e-mail or through the comment section.
Thanks for visiting!
@Nathan,
They are interesting! My whole family was in awe looking at pictures of them from the National Geographic link you posted! Really cool!
Thank you for having this here!
Most definitely!
I’m glad to read about all these wild facts!
Hi Mandy,
These little guys are pretty incredible. I still can’t get over the colours and designs they have. They are absolutely breath-taking. Definitely one of my favourites.
Thanks for reading Wild Facts and for the encouraging words.