Giant Nudibranch

Dendronotus iris

The Giant Nudibranch is a colorful sea slug that looks like a little underwater rainbow! It glides through the ocean, eating tiny creatures and showing off its beautiful colors.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Giant Nudibranch has a large, elongated body, typically vibrant orange, red, or white. Its most striking feature is the numerous bushy, tree-like cerata (gills) covering its back, which are used for breathing and defense. It stands out with its frilly oral veil.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassGastropodaOrderNudibranchiaFamilyDendronotidaeGenusDendronotus
Giant Nudibranch
solitary trait badgecolorful trait badgegliding trait badgecoastal trait badge
Giant Nudibranch

Category

Invertebrate

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It breathes using feathery gills on its back, which look like tiny trees!

It can grow as long as a foot, making it one of the largest sea slugs!

It's a sea slug, not an insect, despite its name sometimes causing confusion!

Some scientists call it a 'clown nudibranch' because of its bright colors!

Special abilities

Ability

Color Absorber

Giant Nudibranch can absorb pigments from its prey, allowing it to camouflage perfectly within its marine environment.

Ability

Defensive Frills

Giant Nudibranch has numerous frilly cerata on its back that deter predators by making it appear larger and less appealing.

Ability

Toxic Taste

Giant Nudibranch can produce unpleasant chemicals in its body, making it an unappetizing meal for most potential predators.

Measurements & details

Size
100-300 mm
Lifespan
300-400 days

Diet & Feeding

A fierce underwater hunter, it loves to feast on sea anemones.

Primary Foods

  • sea anemones
  • tube anemones
  • hydroids

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

eats

Fish-eating Anemone

Urticina piscivora

Consumes whole anemones using its powerful mouth parts.

eats

Plumose Anemone

Metridium farcimen

Slowly grazes on these anemones found in its habitat.

eaten by

Sunflower Sea Star

Pycnopodia helianthoides

A primary predator, able to consume large nudibranchs.

Traits

Also known as

Sea Slug

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Never touch sea creatures without asking an adult first, as some can be delicate or harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is Giant Nudibranch?

100-300 mm

How long does Giant Nudibranch live?

300-400 days

What does Giant Nudibranch eat?

A fierce underwater hunter, it loves to feast on sea anemones.

Where is Giant Nudibranch usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Giant Nudibranch hunt?

Ambush

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

More Invertebrate