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Horned Nudibranch
ExploreInvertebrate
Horned Nudibranch
hermissenda crassicornis
The Horned Nudibranch is a colorful sea slug that has beautiful, horn-like structures on its back. These unique creatures glide gracefully through the water, making them a fascinating sight for ocean explorers!
Habitat: They live in coastal waters along the Pacific Ocean, often found among sea anemones and coral.
Appearance
The Horned Nudibranch has a translucent body often adorned with bright orange, white, and blue markings. Its back is covered in numerous 'horn-like' cerata, which are extensions for breathing and defense. Two feathery rhinophores sprout from its head, resembling antennae.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassGastropodaOrderNudibranchiaFamilyMyrrhinidaeGenusHermissenda
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite their slug-like appearance, they are fierce predators of small ocean creatures!
Horned Nudibranchs lay their tiny eggs in beautiful, spiral-shaped ribbons!
Nudibranch means 'naked gills' because their breathing parts are often exposed!
They are hermaphrodites, meaning each individual has both male and female parts!
Special abilities
Ability
Sting Stealer
Horned Nudibranch can steal stinging cells from hydroids and anemones, using them for its own amazing defense!
Ability
Body Dropper
Horned Nudibranch can drop its 'horns' (cerata) when threatened, helping it escape hungry predators!
Ability
Chemical Sensor
Horned Nudibranch has special rhinophores that help it 'smell' for food and danger in the water.
Measurements & details
- Length Cm
- up to 10 cm
- Maximum Depth Meters
- 30 m
- Average Lifespan Months
- 12 months
- Minimum Depth Meters
- 0 m
Diet & Feeding
These sea slugs are tiny hunters, eating small critters like hydroids and sea anemones!
Primary Foods
- Hydroids
- Sea anemones
- Other nudibranchs
- Small crustaceans
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Sea Fur Hydroid
Obelia geniculata
A primary food source.
eats
Aggregating Anemone
Anthopleura elegantissima
Consumes these anemones.
eaten by
Six-rayed Sea Star
Leptasterias hexactis
Can be prey for sea stars.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
Horned Sea SlugNudieSea Butterfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Horned Nudibranch?
up to 10 cm
What does Horned Nudibranch eat?
These sea slugs are tiny hunters, eating small critters like hydroids and sea anemones!
Where is Horned Nudibranch usually found?
They live in coastal waters along the Pacific Ocean, often found among sea anemones and coral.
How does Horned Nudibranch hunt?
Foraging
How deep can Horned Nudibranch go?
30 m
What is the average Lifespan Months of Horned Nudibranch?
12 months
What is the minimum Depth Meters of Horned Nudibranch?
0 m
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park29 sightings9 species
Washington, US
Jarstad Park
You might spot Purple Foxglove, Tansy, and Broad-Leaved Sweet Pea.
View guide →
Park16 sightings5 species
British Columbia, CA
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada
You might spot Ochre Sea Star, Banana Slug, and Aggregating Anemone.
View guide →
Park0 sightings0 species
Washington, US
East Park
You might spot Horned Nudibranch and Madrone Skin Miner.
View guide →
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