Looking for Nudis (sea slugs)
Divers “collect” images of these undersea creatures, much like birders pursue the birds in their habitats. This piece is an ode to some weird and wonderful little creatures of the marine world. Dr Anjani Ganase, marine ecologist, looks at nudibranchs If I were to mention that this piece is about sea slugs, you might imagine the slimy land slugs that raid your crops and leave in their wakes unapologetic trails of slime. However, sea slugs, also known as nudibranchs (pronounced noo-dee-bronkh), on the other hand, have evolved to become some of the most vibrant marine critters adapted with flamboyant costuming in vivid colours and eccentric patterns. They have amassed a following of divers - similar to birders - who travel the world to collect images of these tiny creatures. Sheep nudibranch, Tulamben, Bali. Credit: Toby Matthews / Ocean Image Bank What are nudibranchs? Nudibranchs are part of a large group of sea slugs (opistobranc...