Strait Scuba

 

Nudibranchs

 

 

Frosted Nudibranch

(Dirona albolineata )

Description: Colorful mollusk without a shell. Most species absorb oxygen through unusual appendages, called cerata, that grow from their back. Opaque with leaf-like cerata edged in brilliant white. Length normally about to 1.5 inches, but can grow to 7 inches.
Food: Feeds primarily on small snails which it breaks open with its small teeth.
Reproduction: Most are hermaphrodites; having both male and female reproductive organs. Eggs are deposited in ribbon-like clusters.
Fun Facts: This species is also found in Japan and Russia!

 

Opalescent Nudibranch

(Hermissenda crassicornis)

Description: Colorful mollusk without a shell. Most species absorb oxygen through unusual appendages, called cerata, that grow from their back. Body translucent white with cerata tipped by orange.Two white smell sensing rhinophores extend from the head. Found in eelgrass beds, and rocky beaches. Look for this animal on the undersides of older Moon Snail sand collars. Length up to 2 inches.

Food: Omnivorous.

Reproduction: Most are hermaphrodites; having both male and female reproductive organs. Eggs are deposited in ribbon-like clusters.

 

 

Sea Lemon

(Archidoris montereyensis)

   

Description: Colorful mollusk without a shell. Lacks cerata. Oval, pale to deep yellow with brown spots on back. A pair of pointy rhinophores at the front end, and a frilly gill cluster at the rear. Found on rocks and pilings; anywhere encrusting sponges may be found. Length up to 2 inches.

Food: Feeds on a variety of encrusting sponges.

Reproduction: Most are hermaphrodites; having both male and female reproductive organs. Eggs are deposited in ribbon-like clusters.
Fun Facts: This species has a citrus or fruity smell which may help it repel intruders.