This solar-powered slug is the Medusa of the nudibranchs. Its long tentacle-like features have a large flat surface that is covered in Zoocanthellae brown algae and separated into individual ‘solar panels’. It farms algae on its body to create energy through photosynthesis, which means it uses the ability of plants to convert the sun’s energy into sugars and nutrients. Over time, this particular nudi has greatly modified the shape of its body to provide as many sunlit regions as possible for their ‘veggie patch’ to photosynthesize.
This little slug enjoys feeding on leather coral, especially the type that produces toxic compounds so that it can store the poison to produce a bad taste for potential predators.
If you want to see this slug, it can be located in the dream dive destinations of Raja Ampat, Indonesia which has the reputation of having the greatest diversity of marine life on earth.
Gill Divers organize safe and stress-free trips to Raja Ampat and other locations. Email us on [email protected] for more details.
Information on Raja Ampat is located on our website.