I don't know exactly which nudibranch this is...but I'm pretty certain it's some variety of Flabellina. Like most aeolids, they eat stinging cnidarins (e.g., jellyfish and anemones), and recycle the stinging cells into the cerata on their backs, where they remain functional against predators.
Wow, those are some nudi's. Gorgeous. And you say the stingingness of the jellies they eat still works in their own little blue selves? Amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting such beautiful and amazing creatures. I'd never know of them if it weren't for you posting them.
They recycle the stinging cells? That is fucking amazing. We live in the most interesting place anyone could imagine
ReplyDeletei want to be a nudibranch when i grow up.
ReplyDeleteThey look like lovely flowers.
ReplyDeleteWonderful.
These lovely creatures never cease to amaze. Phila, do you have any idea how long the "recycled" cells work? That is just mind-boggling.
ReplyDeleteGreen,
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know, they can maintain 'em in good working order for as long as necessary. There's also some evidence, IIRC, that they alter their uptake of stinging cells to reflect changes in the predator population...different cells function in different ways, and some work better on certain predators than others.
Here's an interesting article on this process...it's one of the Mysteries of the Sea.
Mysteries of the Sea, indeed. Thanks for the info. As I said, mind-boggling.
ReplyDeleteWith all of the depressing news, I nneded something beautiful. Thanks, Phila, for beauty when we need it most. Marilyn
ReplyDeletebeautiful! they look like exotic marine flowers!
ReplyDeleteGrrlScientist
Beautiful... And I was beginning to think I was wierd for loving nudis. I don't know many people who do!
ReplyDelete