Nudibranch Photographs

Yellow-marginate nudibranch, Cadlina luteomarginata, Monterey Peninsula, California

Opalescent nudibranch, Hermissenda crassicornis, Monterey Peninsula, California. Nudibranch on calcareous coralline algae.

Nudibranch, Rose Atoll National Wildlife Sanctuary

California sea cucumber, Parastichopus californicus. Sea cucumbers are related to sea stars and sea urchins. The sharp looking spines are soft to the touch and disappear into the skin when disturbed. If this visual defense doesnt work, the sea cucumber will expel its respiratory system. When this occurs in the wild it can regrow the lost organs.

The sea butterfly (Carolla calceola) is also known as a pteropod (wing foot). It is a truly planktonic opisthobranch that, since it is a bit negatively bouyant, must swim with its single pair of wings. Open ocean, California/Mexico.

Flabellina iodinea, Catalina Island, California, Spanish shawl nudibranch.

Dendronotus albus, San Miguel Island, California.

Mexichromis porterae, San Miguel Island, California.

Flabellina iodinea, Spanish shawl nudibranch, Santa Cruz Island, California.

Nudibranch egg mass, Monterey, California.

Nudibranch egg mass, Monterey, California.

Nudibranch egg mass, San Clemente Island, California.

Triopha catalinae, Clown nudibranch, San Miguel Island, California.

Tambja eliora, San Benito Islands, Mexico.

Aeolid nudibranch, San Miguel Island, California.