Species · GBIF taxon 2292241
Opalescent Nudibranch
Hermissenda crassicornisAlso known as Thick-horned Nudibranch, Opalescent Sea Slug
Opalescent nudibranchs are striking marine gastropods adorned with brilliant orange and neon blue lines running along their translucent bodies. Their backs are covered in dense clusters of white-tipped cerata, which they use for respiration, defense, and storing stinging cells harvested from their prey. These highly active sea slugs are notoriously aggressive, frequently fighting and even cannibalizing other nudibranchs they encounter in tide pools and on dock pilings.
MarineColorfulCarnivorous
- diet
- Hydroids, sea anemones, bryozoans, tunicates, and other nudibranchs
- family
- Myrrhinidae
- threats
- Water pollution, habitat degradation, and ocean acidification
- life Span
- Up to 1 year
NE
Stores stinging cells from prey; avoid handling to protect the delicate animal.
- Look under docks: Search the undersides of floating docks and marina pilings where hydroids grow.
- Watch for movement: Look for the bright orange and blue lines shifting slowly among seaweed in tide pools.
- Do not touch: Their delicate cerata detach easily when handled, which harms their defense system.