Species · GBIF taxon 2292277
Spanish Shawl
Flabellinopsis iodineaAlso known as Spanish Shawl Nudibranch
Spanish shawls are breathtaking marine gastropods easily recognized by their neon purple bodies, brilliant orange cerata, and scarlet rhinophores. When threatened, these nudibranchs can detach from the seafloor and swim through the water column by vigorously flexing their bodies side to side. They feed primarily on hydroids, storing the stinging cells of their prey in their own cerata for defense.
MarineColorfulActive Swimmer
Licensed referenceNPS Photo / Public domain · cc0
- diet
- Hydroids, particularly the solitary hydroid Corymorpha palma
- family
- Flabellinopsidae
- threats
- Ocean acidification, warming sea temperatures, and coastal pollution
- life Span
- Up to 1 year
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Look in kelp forests: Search among giant kelp holdfasts and rocky crevices during low tide.
- Watch for swimming: If you see one detach, watch its mesmerizing side-to-side thrashing motion.
- Do not touch: Their delicate cerata can easily break off, depriving them of their defensive weapons.