1 of 12
Spanish Dancer NudibranchThere are more than 3,000 known nudibranch species, and scientists estimate there are another 3,000 yet to be discovered. So-called Spanish dancers, like this one off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, boast some distinctions over other nudibranchs: First, they can be enormous, reaching a foot and a half (46 centimeters) long. Most nudibranchs are finger-size. Second, it can swim, a skill most of its cousins lack.
Photograph by David Doubilet, National Geographic

Nudibranchs

These wildly colorful mollusks have a message for potential predators: “You’d best look elsewhere for a meal.”

December 2, 2009

Related Topics