Key Points
- Nudibranch is pronounced “nu-di-brank” – the “h” is silent.
- They are able to regenerate body parts that are critical for sensory use.
- There are some species of nudibranchs that are cannibalistic.
Welcome to the Nudibranch Quiz, where you can test your knowledge and learn more about one of the most colorful invertebrates! Nudibranchs are a type of sea slug that are known for their vibrant and colorful bodies. These sea slugs derive their bright colors from some of the foods they eat which acts not only acts as camouflage but is also a way to ward off predators as some species even retain the toxins of their prey and secrete them as a defense system!
Take the quiz to test your knowledge of Nudibranchs if you believe you know everything there is to know about them or if you simply want to learn more about these interesting animals!
Pearawas Tangjitaurboon/Shutterstock.com
What are nudibranchs?
Sajjad Yarahmadi/Shutterstock.com
What is another name for nudibranchs?
Mike Workman/Shutterstock.com
What is the size range of nudibranchs?
kaschibo/Shutterstock.com
What is the primary diet of nudibranchs?
lisnic/Shutterstock.com
What is the lifespan of nudibranchs?
Types Of Nudibranchs
There are over 3000 species of nudibranch that are found in both shallow and deep water from the tropics to the north and south poles. These species are a mix of two different types of nudibranch – the dorids, which look rather smooth, with tufts of feather-like gills toward the back of their ‘body’ that is used to breathe, and the aeolids that breathe with organs called cerata covering their backs. Here are just a few of the many different species you will find:
- Dora Coronata – this is the smallest family of sea slugs, which are typically about 10mm in length
- Spanish Dancer – this is the largest member of nudibranch which can grow up to 40cm in length
- Sea Bunny – these cute sea slugs get their name for their resemblance to the rabbit but only live a few short months
- Blue Gaucus (Blue Sea Dragon) – this is venomous since it stores up stinging cells from the Portuguese Man O’War and should not be touched
- Spanish Shawl – one of the more colorful sea slugs, with vibrant pink and orange colors
- Nembrotha – this neon nudibranch is called the alpaca of the sea for its resemblance in shape to the furry animal
Daniel Lamborn/Shutterstock.com
What is the habitat of nudibranchs?
Jeffry Surianto/Shutterstock.com
What is the scientific name for nudibranchs?
gary powell/Shutterstock.com
These are slugs of the sea
What is the general body shape of nudibranchs?
cbpix/Shutterstock.com
What is the color range of nudibranchs?
iStock.com/Giorgio Cavallaro
What is the purpose of the bright colors on nudibranchs?
Interesting Nudibranch Facts
The nudibranch, or sea slug, are animals that can synthesize food as a result of symbiosis. Many aeolid nudibranchs consume animals with stinging cells like the Portuguese Man O’War and can defend themselves by using these stinging cells. Read on to find out more interesting facts.
- Nudibranchs are hermaphrodites which means they have both male and female genital systems.
- They have the ability to auto-amputate a body part to save themselves and it will regenerate later.
- These sea slugs leave a trail behind them that is filled with chemicals that act as communicators – speaking to others nearby.
- Some nudibranch species are able to store photosynthetic algae in their bodies which after eating for a few weeks when they are young, the algae in the tissue provides them with the energy they need.
- They eat by licking their prey to bits.
RobJ808/Shutterstock.com
What is the primary defense mechanism of nudibranchs?
Istvan Kovacs/Shutterstock.com
What is the reproductive strategy of nudibranchs?
kaenscuba/Shutterstock.com
What is the largest species of nudibranch?
phiseksit/Shutterstock.com
What is the smallest species of nudibranch?
Jun V Lao, CC BY-SA 4.0
