sea slug for 24 July 2025

Sea Slugs Latest News

Scientists recently identified and formally described two previously unknown species of wart sea slugs found in the waters off North Sulawesi, Indonesia, named Phyllidia ovata and Phyllidia fontjei.

About Sea Slug

• Sea slugs, also known as Nudibranchs, are soft-bodied marine molluscs found in all the world's oceans, from shallows to the deep sea. 
• They belong to Phylum Mollusca and Class Gastropoda.
• They look like naked snails, i.e., without shells.  
• These slow-moving grazers consume algae, sponges, and other small invertebrates, showcasing a range of feeding habits.
• They are usually found in coral reefs, and their presence is a significant indicator of a strong coral ecosystem.
• Sea slugs are renowned for their vibrant colours and intricate patterns, which often serve as warning signals to predators due to their toxicity. 
• They get their toxicity from the creatures they eat, and some sea slugs can even keep the stinging cells of jellyfish inside their bodies.
• Beyond their striking appearance, sea slugs possess other intriguing traits. 
  • Some can photosynthesise, producing their own food with sunlight. 
  • Others regenerate lost limbs, and a few can steal genes from their prey and incorporate them into their DNA.
• Most sea slugs are active throughout the day, but some species are also nocturnal.

Source: NOA