The flamboyant and spectacular Bubble Shell Hydatina physis is a primitive sea slug that hunts tube worms.
MAGNIFICENCE IN THE MUCK
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Insights
LIFE AMONGST THE STARS
Asterophilia carlae is a symbiotic scale worm living on the underside of sea stars.
GORGING ON GORGONIANS
The allied cowrie Cuspivolva platysia on its obligate host, an Euplexaura species of gorgonian soft coral.
THE PENIS FENCING OF FLATWORMS
The bizarre method and amazing mating display of Pseudobiceros apricus.
A PLAIN SHELL BUT AN AMAZING MANTLE
There are many beautiful false or allied cowries and Diminovula aurantiomacula is but one showing that whilst the shell may be plain the mantle is beautifully decorated.
THEFT
Kleptoplasty – Stealing chloroplast to obtain an ongoing source of energy.
PROGRESSIVE DINNER
The emperor shrimp Periclimenes imperator hitches a ride on the spanish dancer nudibranch.
THE CORAL EATER
The “solar-powered” sea slug Phyllodesmium magnum farms zooxanthellae in its body obtained from its soft coral diet.
FIVE STAR DINING
Hymenocera picta, the Harlequin Shrimp, is a voracious feeder on live sea stars that are turned over and dragged back to the lair for devouring.
THE SURVIVAL SACRIFICE
Some sea slugs have the ability to cast off portions of their anatomy in a process called autotomy. Berthella martensi is a side-gilled slug with this ability.