diving.voyage
Nudibranch

Marine life profile

Nudibranch

Recorded at 2157 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Nudibranch around the world

It moves slowly across its food source, following chemical trails that are invisible to a diver.

Dive sites2157
Countries83
Animal groupInvertebrates
Safety profileGenerally Harmless

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

A shell-less sea slug whose exposed gills, sensory rhinophores and extravagant colors reward close inspection.

How It Behaves

It moves slowly across its food source, following chemical trails that are invisible to a diver.

Special Ability

Some species recycle stinging cells or defensive chemicals from their prey and store them for their own protection.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Perfect your buoyancy and observe from above without touching the animal or the surface supporting it.

Safety

Many invertebrates are fragile, venomous or irritating to skin. Keep hands, fins and equipment clear.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

The extraordinary colors may provide camouflage, advertise toxicity or imitate another better-defended animal.

Where to Find

Look closely on reef walls, coral heads, sand, seagrass, jetties and shaded overhangs.

Known countries

New ZealandAustraliaMauritiusTurkeyCyprusCambodiaUnited StatesMalaysiaPhilippinesPuerto RicoEgyptSint MaartenSouth AfricaThailandMaldivesJapanFranceOmanIndonesia