Nudibranch
Nudibranchs are shell-less marine gastropod molluscs in the order Nudibranchia, commonly called sea slugs.
Nudibranchs are shell-less marine gastropod molluscs in the order Nudibranchia, commonly called sea slugs. They are known for their bright colours, unusual body shapes, and diverse defensive adaptations, and more than 3,000 species have been described.
Description
Nudibranchs are soft-bodied, shell-less marine gastropods with external breathing structures or body appendages. Their appearance varies widely, and many species have vivid colours and ornate shapes.
Classification
They belong to the mollusc class Gastropoda and the order Nudibranchia. Modern references commonly treat them as a distinct order of marine opisthobranch molluscs.
Habitat and distribution
Nudibranchs live in marine environments around the world, from shallow tropical reefs and temperate waters to depths of several hundred metres or more.
Feeding and defence
Many nudibranchs feed on other invertebrates, especially cnidarians, sponges, and other small marine animals. Some species can sequester toxins or stinging cells from prey and use them for protection.
Diversity
The group includes more than 3,000 described species, with especially high diversity in warm, shallow marine habitats. Nudibranchs are often divided informally into dorid and aeolid types.
Key facts
- Nudibranchs are marine gastropods that lose their shells after the larval stage.
- They are commonly called sea slugs.
- Many species are brightly coloured and have elaborate external appendages.
- Some species can store stinging cells from prey for defence.
- More than 3,000 nudibranch species are known.
Nudibranchs occur in Canadian marine waters, including the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, and are of interest to divers, naturalists, and marine biologists studying local sea slug diversity.
Frequently asked questions
What is a nudibranch?
Why are nudibranchs called nudibranchs?
How many nudibranch species are there?
Where do nudibranchs live?
What do nudibranchs eat?
How do nudibranchs defend themselves?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NudibranchSupports: Shell loss after larval stage, marine gastropod classification, colour, diversity, and global depth range.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/nudibranchSupports: Definition, lack of shell and true gills, cerata, feeding on invertebrates, and marine distribution.
- Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/nudibranchSupports: Common name 'sea slug' and definition of nudibranch.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nudibranchSupports: Definition of nudibranch as an order of marine mollusks without a shell in the adult state.
- GBIF — https://www.gbif.org/species/144093729Supports: Shell shedding after larval stage, colourful forms, and dorid/aeolid grouping.
- The Wildlife Trusts — https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/marine/sea-snails-and-sea-slugs/what-nudibranchSupports: UK species diversity, shell-less marine mollusc description, defence using prey stinging cells, and hermaphroditism.
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources — https://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/sertc/Nudibranchs.pdfSupports: Morphology, rhinophores, cerata, respiration, defence, carnivory, and worldwide seafloor habitat.
- Natural History Museum — https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/nudibranchs-psychedelic-thieves-of-the-sea.htmlSupports: Meaning of the name as 'naked gill' and shell-less marine mollusc description.