Nudibranch (NEW-dih-bronk) comes from their scientific name Nudibranchia, derived from the Latin word nudus meaning “naked” and the Greek word brankhia meaning “gill.” This refers to their exposed gills which are located in a beautiful plume on their behind or sprout out across the back of their body. Nudibranchs are divided into two groups, dorids and aeolids, with the gill placement depending on which they belong to.
If there was a fashion show on the ocean floor, the most extravagant outfits would belong to the nudibranchs. In the Indo-Pacific region, nudibranchs run the gamut, from the sleek to shaggy, to the downright whimsical. Read about some of their awesome characteristics here!
Believe it or not, this creature is from one of the most beautiful families in the animal kingdom. It’s a Melibe viridis, a carnivorous nudibranch, also known as a sea slug.
Wild Oceans presents 50 Shades of Nudibranch by Earth Touch. On the pristine coral reefs of South Africa's Sodwana Bay, lives a multitude of tiny but fascinating creatures. In all their breathtaking colors, shapes and sizes, nudibranchs are a filmmaker's delight! Join us as we’re treated to an extraordinary encounter with a dancing marine flatworm and catch a pair of nudibranchs in a lover's embrace.
“Look closely at the nudis. Get lost in their shapes and colours and see what images your mind produces. And for a moment, admire the natural wonders that our ocean produces, but are so rarely seen.”
Nudibranchs, like land slugs and snails, emit slime as they move. They can emit chemicals into their slime to communicate with other nudibranchs, either to inform them of danger from predators; or to tell them where they are so that they can mate.
They don't bite you, emit a foul odor, sneak up behind you, or otherwise ruin your day. Plus, when you see a variety you haven't seen or recognized before, you may be revealing a new species so make sure you have your camera to hand!
Among the fascinating creatures that live under the sea, nudibranchs are the most stunning of all of them due to their incredible colours, their beauty and their exotic forms… They are considered the most beautiful creatures of the sea and as they move very slowly, they are very popular among submarine photographers.
