Toxic Nudibranchs
Tue Jul 22, 2008 – 11:30
Original Post:
Toxic Nudibranchs / visual complexity
This is the seventh representation of a natural system to be
showcased in
VC. You can read more about other exceptions here.
A
nudibranch is a member of one suborder of soft-bodied, shell-less
marine
opisthobranch gastropod mollusks, which are noted for their often
extraordinary colors and striking forms. They are often casually called
"sea
slugs" and look like the most gorgeously colored underwater snails on
earth.
Their anatomy may resemble the texture and color of the surrounding
plants,
allowing them to camouflage. Others, as seen especially well on
Chromodorids, have an intense and bright coloring, which warns that
they are
distasteful or poisonous.
Shown here is a species of Nudibranchs called
Halgerda batangas. A hard body and thick skin help it armor
against
predators. Any that persist learn that the sponge-eater also exudes a
toxin.
This photo is part of a large set by the famous underwater photographer
David
Doubilet for
National Geographic. It's well worth viewing this short video in order to have a better insight into
the
dynamics of these stunning creatures and also get to know the process
used
by David Doubilet to photograph them in his underwater studio. You can
also
check two flickr sets [1] [2] with outstanding images of nudibranchs.
Thanks to
notcot for the tip into this beautiful underwater
world.