Fauna
Invertebrate

Swimming Cynara

Kynaria cynara

Also known as Cynara Nudibranch

Swimming Cynara navigates rocky subtidal reefs with striking grace, utilizing sudden, rhythmic side-to-side body flexions to launch itself into open water when evading bottom-dwelling predators. Its body bristles with inflated, pale-tipped cerata that serve double duty as respiratory structures and defensive arsenals, storing live stinging cells sequestered from its food. Found primarily along tropical and subtropical Eastern Pacific reefs, it glides across boulder fields in search of branching hydroid colonies.

MarineCarnivorousColorful
Swimming Cynara reference
Chris Spain https://www.inaturalist.org/people/flatwaterchris / CC0 · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyEudendrium Hydroids, Plumularia Hydroids, Colonial Hydrozoans
Predators
  • Navanax Inermis
  • Sea Stars
  • Bottom-feeding Fish
ThreatsOcean warming, localized marine pollution, and habitat degradation
HabitatsSubtidal rocky reefs, boulder fields, and kelp margins
Life span6–12 months
Classification
  1. FamilyApataidae
  2. SpeciesKynaria cynara
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Harmless to humans; safe to observe from a respectful distance while diving or snorkeling.
Responsible observation
  • Buoyancy Control: Maintain neutral buoyancy while diving to avoid kicking up silt or damaging the slug.
  • Lighting Caution: Use soft video lighting rather than continuous harsh strobes to avoid stressing the animal.
Related species
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