Nembrotha nudibranch
Nembrotha kubaryana
- Scientific name
- Nembrotha kubaryana
- Group
- Nudibranchs & Molluscs
- Rarity
- Rare
- Where to see it
- Indo-Pacific & Red Sea
- Conservation status (IUCN)
- Not evaluated
Did you know?
The Nembrotha nudibranch flaunts bright green, orange, and black colors that warn predators of its toxicity, acquired by feeding on toxic sea squirts and sponges. Like all nudibranchs, it has no shell as an adult and breathes through exposed gills on its back.
What defines this group — Nudibranchs & Molluscs
Sea snails, with or without a shell — nudibranchs traded theirs for warning colours.
- “Nudibranch” means naked gills: the plume on the back is their breathing apparatus.
- Two rhinophores on the head act as a nose, following scent trails.
- Many recycle the venom of their prey — anemones, hydroids — for their own defence.