Nudibranchs

Nudibranchs

The nudibranch is a soft-bodied marine gastropod that exists in an impressive variety of colors and forms. Often, the nudibranch is referred to as a “sea slug”. However, not all nudibranchs are sea slugs and not every sea slug is a nudibranch.

Nudibranchs are hermaphrodites, meaning they do not require another nudibranch in order to reproduce; instead they posess both male and female reproductive organs. They feed usually on vegetation found in the ocean, mainly sponges, although some are carnivores and eat other nudibranchs.

Nudibranchs and sea slugs are found in an amazing variety of colors. Typically, the most colorful are also the most poisonous and, as with all marine life, should not be handled by scuba divers.

Nudibranchs live in all oceans, at any level of depth. The Maldives are home to some of the most diverse and beautiful sea slugs and nudibranchs on earth.