Shag-Rug Nudibranch
ExploreInvertebrate
Shag-Rug Nudibranch
aeolidia papillosa
The Shag-Rug Nudibranch looks like a colorful, squishy carpet under the sea! Its vibrant colors and unique shape make it a fascinating creature to spot while exploring tide pools.
Habitat: Shag-Rug Nudibranchs live in coastal waters, often hiding among rocks and seaweed.
Appearance
The Shag-Rug Nudibranch has a soft, oval body covered in numerous fluffy, finger-like projections called cerata, resembling a shaggy rug. It typically displays a cream to pale brown body with white-tipped cerata, making it blend well with its environment.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassGastropodaOrderNudibranchiaFamilyAeolidiidaeGenusAeolidia
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A Shag-Rug Nudibranch is a hermaphrodite, meaning each individual has both male and female reproductive parts.
Nudibranchs don't have a shell to protect them like snails; they rely on other cool defenses!
These sea slugs breathe through feathery gills on their back, not through lungs like us!
They lay their eggs in beautiful, spiral ribbons that attach to rocks or seaweed underwater.
Special abilities
Ability
Sting Shield
Shag-Rug Nudibranch can steal stinging cells from its prey because of specialized sacs that help them defend against predators.
Ability
Regeneration Power
Shag-Rug Nudibranch can regrow lost or damaged parts of its body, including its cerata, helping them recover from attacks.
Ability
Anemone Adept
Shag-Rug Nudibranch can safely graze on stinging sea anemones because its skin is immune to their venom.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 6 cm
- Weight
- 5 g
- Lifespan
- 0.5 years
- Maximum Depth
- 25 m
Diet & Feeding
This sea slug is a carnivore that dines exclusively on stinging sea anemones!
Primary Foods
- Beadlet Anemone
- Plumose Anemone
- Stubby Rose Anemone
- various other sea anemones
Foraging Method
- Grazing
Ecological connections
eats
Beadlet Anemone
Actinia equina
Its primary food source, providing defense cells.
eats
Plumose Anemone
Metridium senile
Common prey, found grazing on these in cooler waters.
eaten by
Sunflower Sea Star
Pycnopodia helianthoides
A large predator of various nudibranchs and invertebrates.
eaten by
Atlantic Wolfish
Anarhichas lupus
A bottom-feeding fish known to prey on sea slugs.
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
AeolidNudibranch
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Shag-Rug Nudibranch?
6 cm
How much does Shag-Rug Nudibranch weigh?
5 g
How long does Shag-Rug Nudibranch live?
0.5 years
What does Shag-Rug Nudibranch eat?
This sea slug is a carnivore that dines exclusively on stinging sea anemones!
Where is Shag-Rug Nudibranch usually found?
Shag-Rug Nudibranchs live in coastal waters, often hiding among rocks and seaweed.
How does Shag-Rug Nudibranch hunt?
Grazing
How deep can Shag-Rug Nudibranch go?
25 m
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