Species · GBIF taxon 6519206
Sea Bunny
Jorunna parvaAlso known as Bunny Nudibranch, Jorunna Sea Slug
These tiny, oval-bodied nudibranchs captivate observers with their uncanny resemblance to fluffy white rabbits. Their fuzzy appearance comes from minute sensory structures called caryophyllidia, while the two ear-like structures on their heads are actually rhinophores used to detect chemical scents in the water. A flower-like tuft of gills at their rear handles respiration as they crawl across the seafloor.
MarineBenthicSensory-Rich
Licensed referenceIzuzuki Diver / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Marine sponges
- family
- Discodorididae
- threats
- Ocean acidification, habitat destruction, and warming sea temperatures
- life Span
- Up to 1 year
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance; do not touch or remove from their marine habitat.
- Look closely: Scan shallow tide pools and sponge-rich reef crevices in the Indo-Pacific to spot these tiny creatures.
- Do not touch: Their delicate bodies and sensory structures are easily damaged by human contact.
- Watch the gills: Observe the feathery gill rosette on their back, which expands and contracts as they breathe.