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Call for questions: NUDIBRANCHS (Patreon)

Published:
2025-09-09 21:47:24
Imported:
2026-06

Content

In grade school we laughed at the word "nudibranch" because we were saying "nude-y." Well, nudibranchs are indeed "nude-y" -- they're molluscs without shells and their naked bodies are some of the most vibrant in the ocean. What do you want to know about these charismatic sea slugs? Leave your questions in the comments!

Deadline: Friday, September 12 at 5pm PST

Files

Comments

Lizzy Martinez

Oh how cool. I gotta know, what causes such a variety in color and markings for this species?!

Steven Lee

How did they evolve to exist in salt water so well? When a land slug is exposed to salt they die.

Anthony Richards

What advantage do they have by not having shells, compared to other members of the same set of animal?

KeyLime Pi

What a great topic! I fell in love with these little guys watching Jaques Cousteau documentaries as a kid. Are the majority of them very tiny? What's the biggest one? And are they toxic to predators or is the coloration just to scare them off?

Maddy Julian

Do we know of any species that have bioluminescence, and is it true they can grow algae within their own bodies for nutrients?!?

Jani Rounds

Why are the so colorful?? And so …shaped like that?

Olga Kolesnikova

Why are they so beautiful? Why do I love them so much? Why do I want to BE them?

Erin

How did they get their name?

Ara Victor

Where do all the vibrant colors and patterns come from? Is there variation between the same members of one species?

Meagan Walker

Why are they so intricately patterned? Is there anything else under the sea with this kind of colour diversity? I feel like not even tropical fish can compete!

Sydonie S.

What do we know about their sight? Can they see how colorful they are? Can they see wavelengths we can't?

Benevolent-ish

Ok, confessing my ignorance … what the hell are these and how have I not known about them. I was awake in my science classes and I do not know about them. Tell me everything!!!

Sarah EG

how do they do in captivity? Are they suited to live in an aquarium? Where could you see one in person?

coolguybrad

I've never seen or heard of these before, as far as I can recall. What are they? What do I need to know about them? and are they little critters a regular beach goer would come into contact with? Thanks Alie!

Family MacDs

Where in the world are these beautiful creatures found? We have seen one or two while SCUBA diving in the Bay of Fundy on the New Brunswick Canada side. Also, how do they procreate? How do they find each other so they can procreate?

brucatini

What are their little “ears” for?Are they eye-stalks like on terrestrial slugs?

Luhlani

Are there specific areas or environmental conditions that have greater diversity of nudibranchs?

Lauren Cooper

Do nudibranch scientists "send nudes" to each other?

ariel.vanzandt

What distinguishes a nudibranch from other sea slugs?

Lauren Cooper

Not that you should, but are they safe to handle? Things that brightly colored are sometimes toxic. Are any nudibranchs toxic to the touch?

ariel.vanzandt

What is their favorite living environment? Are they everywhere in the ocean?

ariel.vanzandt

What's the size range of nudibranchs?

Anisa George

From Ruya (10 years old) Do people eat them? How could they?! What makes them so colorful and can I have a t-shirt of the above image? How many species are there? Please talk about sea angels and how they eat.

Luhlani

What exactly is the mechanism by which some nudibranchs can consume and reuse nematocysts? How do they move them through the digestive system and migrate them to the outside of their bodies completely intact? Do all consumed nematocysts survive or are some lost in the process?

Guido

Are there plain, "boring" nudibranchs?

Leila Laco

How ancient are they? What are their closest relatives and how close or far are they from land slugs on the tree of life?

Jennifer Froh

Why are they SO cute? And why do they wear such fabulous hats?

Marla J

Sea slugs are so colorful. Do their colors ever change if they are afraid, or happy, or looking for some under the sea romance, or at different life/age stages?

Jennifer Froh

Why are they so colirful and pretty when theyre basically blind?

Lee Wang

How closely are they related to terrestrial slugs? I have a total phobia with terrestrial slugs because they look so gross, but think that nudibranchs do look beautiful.

Cyntia B

How many known species are there? How many more do we think there is?

Cyntia B

Yeeeeeesssss! Best topic!!!!! Who eats nudibranchs?

Cyntia B

What is your favorite nudibranch, and why?

Cyntia B

How big is the biggest known nudibranch? How small is the smallest one?

Libby Tomko

How can I see them in an ethical way??? Are there nudi tour guides?

Vicky Stein

Is it aposematism or is it camouflage? Can it be both?? I wonder this when I see banana slugs that blend in with bay laurel leaves but also often stick out like crazy (and are somewhat poisonous); I also wonder this when I see Hopkins roses, for example. They're bubble-gum pink and so obvious... except for when they're so hard to see against pink coralline algae! Same goes for some of the colorful reef nudis. Some of them seem to stand out and blend in *at the same time.* Boggles the mind.

Raja

More like beautybranchs! Not a question, but I couldn't resist. 🙃

Greg Walloch

I saw a Tic-Tock video where some guys were kissing and petting some Blue Dragon Sea Slugs. People in the comments were freaking out saying that the slugs eat Portuguese Man of War, and therefore become neurotoxic themselves. I had never even heard of them before this. These guys were scooping them up and petting them like no big deal.

Libby Tomko

What are nudibranches located? Are they all over the world?

Ashley K.

Do they have super powers?

Michael Dwyer

These are not the Nudi's your looking for.

Staci Pinkowitz

HELL YES!!! What’s their evolutionary history?

Emmett

What do they eat? How big do they get?

Emmett

Where do they live? Do they have predators?

Libby Tomko

I am adding a nudibranch to my ocean sleeve, which one should I add? I would tell literally every single person in the world that a scientist picked out my tattoo

Chloe Koschnick

SCREAMING because ive been dying for you to do a nudibranch episode! I love these little things - I have been guilty of waking up at 2 am and making the treck out to the beach just to catch a glimpse. I guess this is a fitting episode to finally ask my first question(s) (I might have a lot of them...oops)! * What's up with the biodiversity? * Where can the largest variety of species in the world be found? * I know they can be found along the US coasts, guam, the UK, and Japan...all over really - are there any coastal areas in which they are not found? And if so, why? * I see many of these out at tide pools in So Cal so I know they enjoy shallow waters/intertidal zones, but I also see people spotting them when diving. How deep can they be found? Do different species thrive at different depths? * How many species are recorded? * Are there any species that are often used for research? Any that are not? * What does research of nudibranchs look like? Is it in a lab or all field related? What quality or features is a nudibranchologist studying? * Are there any scientific or medical advancements that nidbranchs have been used for? Or any problems that scientists think they could be useful in solving? * Are there any UV reactive nudibranchs? If so - why might that be advantageous to them? (Sea anenomes are UV reactive and they remind me of eachother for whatever reason) * Are they dangerous to touch? Ive heard that they carry stinging cells in their cerrata due to their diet, but im curious if this is true/if its all of them/if its certain types? I always leave critters alone to the best of my abilities when tide pooling, but im still curious! * Cerata vs one cluster of gills - what's the deal with that/why are Aeolids and Dorids so different? * What is the biggest struggle/difficulty/setback in studying nudibranchs currently? BEYOND excited for this episode!

Chloe Koschnick

(I keep thinking of more...😅) Are there any freshwater nudibranchs? If not - how can they be SO widespread in the oceans but not in freshwater?

Noway Jose

Ftqa What do they eat? How are they different from sea cucumbers and all the others slug looking sea creatures? How close are they evolutionarily to other critters out there!?? Are they little cleaners of the sea floor? Slowly vacuuming and recycling all the stuff down there, linking bigger creatures to smaller ones? What's the smallest one? Biggest one? Surely all their colours serve them to know who's who and what's what no? Can they see more colours on each other than what we see?

londennoelle

Are any nudibranchs bioluminescent? Are nudibranchs important indicators of ocean health or climate change? Nudibranchs are incredibly diverse in color, shape, and even survival strategies. Why are they so diverse compared to other sea creatures?

Ninja Squirrel

Follow up question for the ologist. do you have a nudibranch tattoo? If so, which one?

Jerry Hoffmeister

My son Isaac, who studied Marine and Coastal Sciences at WWU asks "Have we figured out how they steal the nematocysts from jellies and other cnidarians yet?"

Hannah Johnson

Some of these guys are so bright and colorful, while others seem to take a camouflage approach. Do we know why? Are all the flashy ones poisonous while the more neutral-colored ones are not poisonous? Side note, I think seeing a Spanish Shawl on a field trip in elementary school was the start of my nature obsession, so go nudibranchs!

Abby Grieb

Do they shoot love darts like sea snails? Are they poisonous?

Nicky G

If not friend, why friend shaped?! I love all of yhe different colors and configurations of these odd little creatures. What is our guest's favorite nudibranch?

Erin Gunderson

Can we PRETTY PLEASE talk about how some of them go about doing photosynthesis???

Clur 🌱

What's the evolutionary advantage of being so colorful and whimsical???

Erin Gunderson

For the Ologist: I know you probably don't have a favorite, but what is it?

Libby Tomko

If not would you get one?

Krista Jones

When is the best time to see nudibranchs at the beach? Am I missing them all because I'm too cowardly to get up at 5am? (or are they all at the nudey beach?)

DeeDeeNoodle

THIS EPISODE WAS MADE FOR ME!! I live in possibly the best place in the world to see them! Not a question, but I'm gonna thank Mercedes for this one 🖤🖤🖤

NikkiLewdies

If you’re cold, they’re cold- put them in your mouth! (I know they’re probably too cute anyways)-but are they edible?????

Danny Martin

First-time question asker here: Can we *please* talk about kleptoplasty? Because it sounds like these sea slugs get a free software upgrade through snack time—like Kirby or Pac-Man. Are the stolen chloroplasts integrated into their bodies forever, or do they have to keep raiding the salad bar to replace them? How much of their diet can they run on photosynthesis alone? Please tell me more; I feel like it's the ultimate inspiration to eat your veggies.

the ren you know

What would happen if I gave one a little kiss? Asking for a friend...

Pseudonym Jones IV

How deep do they go? Are they limited to places where they can really flaunt it?

Danny Martin

Same question, applied to nomming on nematocysts and becoming an adorable war machine.

daniel schmaniel

what defines a nudibranch? are their specific traits, is it broad, or is there something unique to them on a genetic level?

Emmett M Wald

What’s the best common name of all the nudis? How do you feel about the Tumblr moniker “midnight mint butterfly slug” for the famous black-and-turquoise friend?

Danny Martin

I neeed to know if anyone else has seen these and imagined being a tiny sea cowboy, riding them across the open ocean. So many have a perfect saddle already!!

Cynthia Cinnabar

What does their coloration communicate, and to whom are they trying to communicate? Also, are they related to land slugs or was this one of those times when scientists tried to name by analogy?

mo

First time question asker: Why are they so cute?? And is there a correlation between their environments and their structure/coloration?

Fiona Dolphin

What parts of the world do they live in? I’ve seen them here in Washington State. Do they typically live in colder waters?

CARLOS L DE LA ROSA

I love this! My cousin, Gaby Carías Tucker, is a scientific underwater photographer who recently co-authored a book on the Nudibranchs of Venezuela, featuring many of her spectacular photos. Perhaps the biggest surprise for most people who encounter them is their size. Most are tiny and go unseen in the midst of the riotous coral reefs. I can't wait for this episode!

Michael Crosa

Are they edible? Would they just taste like other mollusks?

Joanne V

Are they essentially water slugs?

Tammy Moser

A few years ago while kayaking in PrinceWilliam Sound on the coast of Alaska we came upon several of the most "other worldly creatures in a shallow bay. They looked like aliens. I was kind of freaked out and sent pictures to the local biologist and yes, they were nudibranchs. I have seen them scuba diving in warm waters, but these were really good sized and really bizzare looking.

Wandering Wyatt

I’m assuming their multitude of colours and patterns is good for camouflage? Or perhaps - “don’t eat me, I taste bad”?

Elinor Wahl

Ever since I've started reading about sunfish parasites and the mint-sauce worm, I've wanted to know - what kind of creatures might nudibranchs live symbiotically or parasitically with?

Elinor Wahl

What kind of social life might nudibranchs have, either with their own kind or other species?

Between Dumplings

are we the only ones to see their colors? are the patterns camouflage? are the spikey things sensors or stingers?

Becky Stenberg

Ohhh yes I love these guys! And the story of Doc Ricketts sampling one to discover the reason for those colors. Are Banana slugs also nudibranchs?

Megan et al.

When nudibranchs eat an anemone or jellyfish, how do they incorporate the nematocysts into their bodies? Does the whole nematocyst structure or just the toxin get repurposed in the nudibranch’s defense system?

Megan et al.

What do their mouth parts look like/How do they eat? Are nudibranch’s opportunists, or do they specialize in a particular type of food?

Between Dumplings

PS where's the right place to leave messages with ideas for new ologies/topics or new info to share? I'm PM'g here but think it's not the right way?

Megan et al.

Why are they so pretty? What is the mechanism? Are the bright colors created by light refracting off specialized cells like butterfly wings?

Alannah Wood

I've seen these diving on the east coast of Australia and in Bali! They are some of my favourite things to see! What is the weirdest looking one? Which is your favourite? Is there diving hotspot locations where they are everywhere?

Cascade

So I know some can photosynthesize by “stealing” chloroplasts and some can become poisonous by “stealing” poison. What’s up with this ingenious stealing? How do they do it?? Do they steal other things?

Allison Heisel

WHAT DO YOU MEAN SOME SEA SLUGS CAN SURVIVE CHOPPING THEIR OWN HEADS OFF AND CASUALLY PHOTOSYNTHESIZE FOR ENERGY WHILE THEY REGROW A NEW BODY?!?!? Flim flam or true facts, please help

Jessica Wood

I sent Ologies an email about covering nudibranchs and I assumed it was never seen. I hope the episode speaks with Gary Cobb who I wrote about in my letter. I became fascinated with nudibranchs after reading an article about them and Gary Cobb who studies them. I thought to myself OMG these little slugs need to be covered in Oligies so I wrote a letter. Fingers crossed Ali plans on speaking with Gary—he seems like a hoot! My question? Where did the name come from? And is it silly of me to get one as a tattoo!

Sunflower star

Yay! Can the expert clarify the differences between the nudibranchs and other dorids/ other sea slugs? What's the benefit of exposed "naked" gills (the "nudibranch" structure)? How do their rhinophores help them navigate? Do other types of animals have them? Do some of them have eyes as well? Some lay very cool egg structures -- but how do they mate, is it like snails that will just stab each other someplace? How many egg sacs will they lay in a season and how long lived do they tend to be? Are there general differences between those in tropical and colder climates? It would probably be interesting to talk about how some are generalists like the thick-horned nudis (Hermissenda) and others seem to have a special food they like and are only found on some beaches near their preferred food :)

Sunflower star

would a nudi who's been chowing down on anemones taste spicy?!

Erin Everton

Why so colorful? And why are they so abundant on the west coast of the US relative to the Atlantic side?

Sunflower star

Also just gonna give a shout out to this song that is eternally stuck in my head. Are nudis the only sea creature that have a song about them?! youtube.com/watch?v=ocrvbcjPThs&themeRefresh=1

Erin Everton

It may delight you to know there’s an art installation in Seattle right now with a sea slug you can ride like a mechanical bull

Jenna Congdon

They're so colorful!!! Bright colors like that in nature usually mean a warning. Are they toxic to eat? (for other sea creatures). If not, why the rainbow getup? Their fashion sense is impeccable.

Amanda Lask

Are there both male and female nudibranches? Does it depend on species? How do they procreate??

Craig Steinberg

What's the rarest nudibranch? And what is your favorite variety of nudibranch?

BeckytheSassySeagrassScientist

How do they vary based on habitat? I know folks who dive in tropical areas with a magnifying glass while I've seen some multi-inch honkers in the temperate pacific northwest. Are there freshwater nude-y's? Any estuarine?

Kieran H

NUDIBRAAAAANCHS!!! I am PSYCHED for this!!! They are one of my favorite sea creatures of all time. Question one of probably many: are nudibranchs able to mate across different types? Or even an aeolid with a dorid?

Kieran H

Why do some nudibranchs give off a smell when disturbed? Is it a form of defense? I was delighted to learn that a sea lemon actually smells like a lemon!

BeckytheSassySeagrassScientist

Can we learn from nudey's to absorb superpowers Rogue style? More realistically, are there medical application for their stinging cell stealing techniques?

Kieran H

In the oologist’s opinion, what is the most under-appreciated nudibranch?

Erin White

Welp, given that it's a sea creature I have to ask what I feel is the obvious question: can we eat them?

Kieran H

Why is the blue glaucus so different in shape and habitat compared to most nudis? Is she just not like the other girls?

Danny Martin

You're correct, I am absolutely delighted and packing my bags for Seattle. 🤩

Debs Gardner

Why do the ones in warmer waters tend to have more vibrant colors? (Also, I’m so excited for this episode and wish I could attach a pic of me in a homemade nudibranch costume at a Seattle Aquarium event.)

Debs Gardner

Also, why do hooded nudibranchs smell like watermelon?

Hudson Ansley

I assume you'll be talking about kleptocnidae (the captured stingers from jellyfish some consume) and kleptoplasty (the capturing of chloroplasts from algae some consume). If not planed, seems like a great topic of discussion to me

Jill Lambie

What is it about living in the ocean that makes them so colorful and ready for a costume party compared to their land-bound cousins? How is being so colorful a benefit? (Other than being at the top of the guest list!)

Robin Kuehn

Not a question but came here to say that I am excited, I am here for it, thank you Ologies for giving these frilly rainbow sea babies much-deserved love.

Classic.Tina

No question really. But OMG- I’m so excited!

Judy

Where can I take my 9 year old granddaughter to see a nudibranch in the SF Bay Area?

AlexanderVonFritzyBitzAndHisMom

Are sea slugs just land slugs with a Drag Queen upgrade? How did they evolve? What’s the difference between a sea slug and a nudibranch?

Ranger France

Whats with the bright colors? I know it is associated with poison but are they ALL poisonous in some way?

Ranger France

Where is the branch off in evolution between sea slugs and land slugs?

Katie Hammond

Can they see their own colors? Are the colors mostly for signaling "danger, do not eat" or are their colors also part of sexual selection? Do they do the do?

Ranger France

Are there any good fossil records of them to dive deeper into the evolution of them, are they extremely rare due to the lack of shell?

Ranger France

Have scientists found interesting uses for their slime? I just learned today scientists used banana slug slime as a prototype to create a new surgical adhesive

Ranger France

Tool use, stored memory, husbandry training; how do they rank on the "smartness" scale we arbitrarily created?

Nick Reed

omg omg omg omg I've wanted this ology on the show for so long! Years ago, working a hellish call center job, I developed a calming technique: Take five minutes and go to https://www.seaslugforum.net/species.htm, click on a random name, and then marvel at the infinite variety of life on earth. My question, since I am from the Philippines, is there a reason that we see such a massive variety of nudibranches around here in particular? I've read there's nearly 500 different kinds that have been spotted in Philippines diving locations.

Ranger France

how do they reproduce? is it like a "spray and pray" situation or laying eggs on a floating object like snails? I legit can't even find a clear answer on google.

Olivia Coppin

I DID A REPORT IN MY MARINE CLASS AT UNI ON THESE GUYS! Can you talk about their weird reproductive cycles!!

Teresa Gleason

I love nudibranchs! I saw some in Hi in the tidal area, thanks to my marine biologist, student friend. I haven’t seen them here around Santa Cruz. Are they in the area? Is it too cold? Are they more vibrant in some areas vs other? Are they found everywhere on earth, except Antarctic waters?

Ranger France

I know that "coolest" is subject to taste so: If they had senior superlatives; what would be the best looking (or most likely to have inspired lisa frank)? The one that defies all odds of survival? the deadliest? The most rare? These can all be divided into individual questions, because they are.

Nick Reed

One more question: what has made gastropods so successful as a group? (Fossil record goes back to the Cambrian!)

Rebecca Cloud

What in their bodies/makeup give them such vibrant coloring?

Ranger France

How does adaptation and evolution track back to how they're found in warm shallow reefs to super deeps seas and to the pole regions?

Ranger France

Not only are they uber pretty, some of them are bioluminescent apparently??? How does this not make them more prone to predators? Non-mentionable side question- why did humans get the short end of the stick on this. I want to be pastel pink with neon blue stripes and glow in the dark! Although I did just realized I am an adult with adult money so technically, I could be with enough "get ready" time each morning.

Lunarcrumpet

How can nudibranch like glaucus atlanticus breed or live for very long if they are just floating and imobile? Have they always been imobile? What causes evolution to just say 'nah you're fine as a couch potato, peak body right here'

Kristin Zimmerman

We found Nudibranchs on floating on Sargassum in the middle of the Atlantic, thousands of miles from shore. How do they live there?! And not die?!

Ranger France

How scared of them should I be when snorkeling? Are they like quicksand that we thought would be a much bigger problem? Or are they more like amoeba that strike quietly when we don't think to look out for it?

NanoNaturalist

They are so perfect and soft and that's all I have to say

D.J. Brenner

How much sentience do they have? Can they hunt and move, or do they wait for food to come by them?

Olivier Calas

Why so many colors and intricate shapes?

Holland G

FTQA here! Can you please tell us about the ones who photosynthesize?! I’ve heard there are species that consume and absorb plant cells or Cyanobacteria and use them in their own bodies for sugar creation - how does that work!

Kaitlin Westphal

FTQA! I am sooooo excited for this topic, I love these guys! I missed seeing my first hammerhead shark because I was too busy admiring a cute little nudibranch :) Bu for my question - how closely related are they to flatworms? Which are more common and how can you tell the difference between them?

Bonnie M Rutherford

Could you explain how they are able to consume nematocysts from Cnidaria, keep them in their body without firing, and then use them for protection against predators. Do they also use them to stun prey?

Bonnie M Rutherford

Are their bright colors of form of deception that frightens off predators because they look like they're toxic?

e-rennebee

i haven’t in my life heard of these things. why? is it because catholic school doesn’t want you to feel joy?

Tessa Lew

why are they so colorful? is it to scare predators by telling them they are toxic?

Marisa

Yeah, land slugs are so lame in comparison! I love sea slugs^^

joshua kolb

What defines the egg "ribbon" size and color?

Ellen Orleans

Why are they so dang gorgeous? Sexual attractiveness? Toxicity warning? Mother Nature having a blast?

Scalebar

What's going on with Phylliroe? ( the one that looks like a fish) Is it a wierd outlier or does that sort of thing happen all the time?

Reuben Neumair

Why are they so damn funky?? And why do they look like the shag carpets of my dreams

Carolyn Eckman

What’s the deepest depth they e been found at? Are any of them edible? And are there any colors they don’t exist in?

Amanda Ford

Why are they so cute?!? And why is the Glaucus atlanticus the best one?

Jenna U

Question from my housemate: WHY ARE THEY THE COOLEST THINGS EVER?

Ursula Goodwin

How do they get their crazy colours? Is it from what they eat or do they produce the colour themselves?

Zyz

OH MY GOSH I LOVE THESE FELLAS SO MUCH What's the actual definition of a nudibranch? I know there's a lot of sea snails that don't have shells, so why are they considered snails but not nudibranches?

Zyz

How are there so many nudibranches specialising on specific foods that no one else eats? I've heard that there's Pteraeolidia that eat hydroids, and maybe something that eats portugese man o' war ?? (or maybe I confused that with a sea snail....)

Zyz

Prettiest looking nudibranch (in your expert opinion)?

Zyz

Whats the function of the sticky out bits (no idea what they're called) that so many have?

Flora

How do they respond to climate change and warmer sea temperatures ? Are they in danger of dying out like corals do?

also_ally

OMG my niche ocean nerd self loves that this is an ology episode! Are there colors or patterns of nudibranchs that are specific to a region? Like for example all nudibranchs found in one area incorporate some type of orange on their body vs another place may have dot patterns

also_ally

Are Spanish dancers considered nudibranchs or are they related to them? How did they evolve to swim like that?

Olivia Yu

Are the bright colours at all related to being poisonous/venomous? Or are the pretty colours related to attracting a mate?

Ennifer Jelly Tot

Question on behalf of my sibling, Rakie! Do some nudibranches glow under UV light? Because it looks like they should.

spiderbeetlebee

YES YES YESSSSS I love nudibranchs!!!! Any tips for trying to spot them in the wild? Theyre so hard to find for such brightly coloured friends.

Alexandre Catulle

How come I have never heard of it in school 🫩

Emily Wrubel

I know they get nematocysts from eating jellyfish — can any of the sea slugs hurt people?

Clemens V

Just to understand their abundance a bit better: how many tons of them are floating out there right now approximately? What is the error margin on such an estimate?

ValBeListening

Ahh! I first met a sea hare off the coast of California when I was 13 and was so in awe! It was the size of a small dog and I cradled the gooey guy in my arms until this other kid basically took the hare from me which caused the hare to ink! Is that a sea hare thing or do sea slugs also ink? How else do they protect themselves?

Allison Menard

If you had to wear an outfit based on the design of a nudibranch, which one would you choose?

Allison Menard

I heard that sea slugs are being examined for potential cancer treatments in humans. Do you know anything about this?

JENN 'Benthopelagic squirrel' ALVAREZ

So blue dragons are nudibranches yeah? Do they only float around or do they ever just chill at the bottom? Why are they all so beautiful? (All nudibranches)

ChickenHawk

What is their range in size/weight? Are they edible?

ChickenHawk

For the nudibranches that feed on coral, do they have alternative food sources? Or as coral reefs die, will they die?

Clay Mohrman

Why did they evolve to have these insane colors?!

Ashley Tweeten

Do any of them glow in the dark? Question from Ezra, my 3 year old!

Jordan

Do nudibranchs react to different types of light? Do they glow?

Jordan

Can you pet a nudibranch?

Magsaroni

So many questions! What are they most closely related to? Why so colorful? Which one is the best?

Nathan Curry

Do they taste like they look?

Amber Hays

I saw one for the first time on the coast of California. Are they more a cold water creature or are they all over and I just missed them in Florida?

Tired Toad

Are there some species of nudibranches in every major ocean or are they restricted to a certain part of the world?

Lizzy

I want to know why nudibranchs are so diverse! It feels like I’m learning about a new species that does totally different things all the time

Susie Shipman

FTQA!! It’s a Nu-day and one where I finally become an Ologies question asker!!! Nudibranch eggs are laid in a beautiful ruffled spiral but what besides the egg cases is the spiral composed of? Also, I’m often astounded at how large the spiral can be and how small the animal producing it can be. Is it like whipped cream out of a can and expands as it’s laid down??

pearrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

1. Why is Glaucus Atlanticus so different in shape than the other nudibranchs? Why did it get those poison sacks? 2. What are the best places to see Nudibranchs in the United States? Both in and out of water?

Susie Shipman

Ha! I missed what would have been my first major hammerhead cruise by in Fiji while staring at a nudibranch too!! Everyone else on the dive came up hooting and hollering about the amazing shark experience and I missed the WHOLE thing… 🫣🙄 Ps. Have now been to Galapagos and so am pretty much caught up on hammers ;)

Susie Shipman

Yes, Sacoglossa not a nudibranch but just as fascinating - I taught scuba diving in the Caribbean for about five years, and I can’t tell you how many blank stares I received from divers during the dive briefing for a site where we often saw ‘lettuce sea slugs’, as I, with great enthusiasm, explained how the little creatures are able to steal chloroplasts from the algae they eat (kleptoplasty!!) to incorporate into their own bodies to produce energy for themselves from the sun. Solar-powered! Fortunately, every once in a while, I would have a diver who also found it fascinating and was super excited when we found one so hooray for that :)

Kaley Vang

Questions from my brother Jake (who studies marine biology and these are his favorite creatures!!): What makes them differ in color? Is it diet, water temperature, location? Also, what are the evolutionary benefits to looking the way they do?

Kaley Vang

Ethics aside, is it possible to keep these creatures as pets?

brucatini

What is the difference between a nudibranch and a dorid?

Lillian Rolfe

I posed this question to my daughter (a bio/zoology graduate who no works at the St Louis aquarium) and she said to ask how they mate. Because, as she put it, “it’s wild”. So….how do they mate?

ReigningEmily

Why do sea slugs look like they are in the most fabulous drag while land slugs look like they are in faded camo?

Katie Biardi

Where are the best places to see nudibranchs?? Can they be found on the east coast of the US?

Graham

Do nudibranchs show any evidence of the ability to learn or be trained?

Kim Halford

First time question asker - Nudibranchs lack the protection of shells but is their colouration a type of aposematism (ie signaling that they are toxic or similar) and if so is that the case or is the colouration saying that but really they are fine. Do they have any other protection?

Tommy McElrath

Can I hold them? They are so beautiful and I am scared of their aposematism.

Gabrielle G.

How long have nudibranchs been around? Are they “living dinosaurs” like many aquatic species or are they a result of more recent speciation?

Kait

How do they perceive each other? Is it as spectacularly as we perceive them visually? Even more so????

Mark Hewlette

The name fits! They are little nudies! In fact, beautiful little nudies! Do their bright colors warn would-be predators to stay away 'cause I'm dangerous? Are they dangerous?

Taters Schmitty

Why do many different colors and shapes - is that so they know which other nudeys to get it on with?

Reese Perini

Woah so cool! Are they separate-sexed or hermaphroditic? Do they mate? Is it weird? Thanks!

Morgan

Very important question: what is the ologists favorite nudibranch? 🧐

Sarah Morcom

Why so colourful? Are the toxic or pretending to be? Is it a mating thing? (From my very new husband Tom)

Mady Jo

First time question asker, looong time listener here! Yay nudis, I’m truly obsessed with these beauties. I’d love to know what handling them feels like? Are they sticky, slimey, slippery, rubbery, squishy? If I can’t have the tactile experience firsthand, vicariously will have to do!

BENJAMIN

Ok… I assume these are not a creature we should have as pets… but… am I wrong? Asking for a friend 😅

Curlyhaired_G

Two questions related to my favorite sea slug, the sea sheep or leaf slug. How did they evolve to use chlorophyll from their food to photosynthesize? And do we think anything similar could be developed for mammals? Could humans eventually photosynthesize?!?!

Mary De Aquino

Hey, question from my dad, Manny, who is a big nudibranch: ("Nudibranchs?! How cool! What biological benefit does their dazzling coloration have?")

Jay Mo

Long time question haver, first time question asker. I want to know: What, in the ologists opinion is the best/most unique NAME for a nudi? I've found lots of Sea lemons, and Dorids and once a shaggy mouse, which is currently my fav name for a Nudi, but am waiting to hear a new one! 😁

Fi Cameron

First of I am SO forking excited for this episode! My wife and I both absolutely loves Nudibranchs (her pet name for me is seaslug, and we have a lot of cute Nudibranch things too!) My question is- What is the daily life of a nudibranch like? Does it wake up with coffee, doom scroll on the commute to work, gossip with coworkers etc, or is their day a bit different to ours?

bug in a rug

What the heck are their brains like?! Do they have feelings? Do they have favorite foods? What would they be like at a party?! Please dish on the personalities and behaviors of these nudie baddies

Fi Cameron

I was going to ask this question too, yay!

Regina Muth

They're all so different, but they all seem to have nubs of some kind. They're very nubby. Why? Do their different nubs have a similar function between species or was there nub convergent evolution? Oh! And are they becoming crabs?

Shae

How do they choose their mates? What makes one nudibranch stand out in a sea of suitors?

Earl of Greymalkin

1) Do they have eyes to see how pretty each other are? Are they also fluorescent? Does their coloring have more to do with predator deterrence or is there anything to do with mate selection or sexual dimorphism? Are the pigments similar to compounds other animals make? Are some of them iridescent? 2) Did they evolve from molluscs that had shells before and then they chose freedom or did the shelled varieties split off and then figure out shells? How closely related are they to land slugs? 3) Do they filter feed, chomp on plants, or do something else to eat? Do they have teeny tiny mouths? Teeny tiny teef? 4) Which ones can you boop and which are a terrible idea to boop? How toxic can they be? Are any of the fun and interesting compounds they make being investigated for therapeutic potentials? 5) What is the underwater velocity of an unladen nudibranch? How fast can they go? Do they have a territory to patrol or do they go wherever? Do they have to walk or can they float and swim? Do they make mucus to get around smoothly on surfaces? 6) Are they difficult to keep responsibly in aquariums? Are aquariums allowed to keep toxic ones? If no, what is the legality of it? If yes, what is the PPE like? 7) What are some underrated species we should know about? 8) Are they found all over the oceans, even in very cold or hot locations? Are there freshwater types? 9) What does a nudibranch fight look like? Do they often have to contend with other nudibranchs or other organisms for resources?

Andy Pepper

I know they're hermaphroditic but can't fertilize themselves... And I'm wondering what's the point of being a hermaphrodite if you still need a partner?

Andy Pepper

I read that some of them make SOUNDS?! So much about them seems impossible but this might be the wildest thing!

Verena Runstadler

Knowing that some of them are poisonous/ venomous, have any nudibranchs been studied for use in medical settings? Or used historically medicinally?

Valerie Vanderlip

What do nudibranch babies look like? Are they just smaller versions of adults or are they a uniquely different form?

Shelby Harrison

Long time listener, First time question asker - I’m curious to know what is the most unique environment Nudibranchs can be found in. I often see people finding them in tide pools but are there some found in deep caves or other surprising and cool places?

Tanner

Nudi fan club members over here! Why are sea slugs way more endearing (and colorful) than land slugs? I will happily cradle a sea slug. Land slug? No thanks!

Kleargle

Hello can I get the ologists thoughts on Sacoglossans they are my favourite little guys of all time (although not technically nudibranchs, the "leaf sheep" that occasionally goes viral online is not a nudibranch, but a sacoglossan!) -- also can they really photosynthesize? or is this an exaggeration

Kleargle

So excited for this one

Zander Hilmes

First time question asker! Nudibranchs burst with colors that make them so captivating (and cute)! It’s often nature’s way of warning predators that these colorful critters are off-limits. But not all nudibranch colors scream “danger!” like orange and red. Do their vibrant hues serve a purpose or purposes? Have their colors shifted over time due to climate change (substrate changes, water temperature, or even predator numbers) or other “risk factors” for their survival?

Kleargle

Are there freshwater counterparts to nudis? or is the party at sea

Em Sediyo

Recently saw some footage of a Lion's mane nudibranch in Monterey, CA (one of the coolest creatures I've ever seen) and am dying to know if they really do have a smell? And if so, whyyyyy

leafygreenkale

not a question but i need to share that my cat’s name is noodle bc she has 3 legs & one of her many nicknames is noody bug

Jeff Goodhartz

As someone who has had saltwater tanks in the past, but not going to the point of trying to keep nudibranchs, I greatly look forward to this episode. They are my favorite saltwater denizens.

Emily Schmidt

Long time listener, first time question asker (because I’m hyperfixated on these lil guys). If the expert you’re interviewing had to design a nudibranch (colors, toxicity, etc), what would it be like?

Violsk

This question might be a little silly but what can I do, that's what I am curious about: do the parents' colors/patterns mix up in their children? eg. mom with yellow dots + dad with fuchsia lines = beeeautiful baby with peach colored dots and lines?

Violsk

What is their consistency? are they fully slimy like a slug or are they more cartilaginous or spiky, so that they are unchewable and potential predators have to spit them?

Violsk

Do they swim with active muscular propulsion even against the current, or do they just modulate their shape to be moved by the current?

jujubeans

Tips for tidepoolers and scuba divers to find them? Also why do some of them smell good??

Katie Murray

What are their self-protection mechanisms sans shells?

Katie Murray

Know of any cool artwork (blown glass, jewelry, etc) inspired by these fashionable fellas?

Etienne

So many Questions! How are some nudibranchs able to steal and incorporate stinging cells from other organisms into their own bodies? How are some nudibranchs able ot incorporate algae? Is it like how coral does it? How deep have we found nudibranchs? What is the weirdest/most interesting nudibranch? Do you have a favourite nudibranch? Why do some nudibranchs smell like melon or sandalwood? Once that was discovered have all nudibranchs been smelled? What is the most interesting nudibranch smell?

Cat Baklarz

I have several questions! Can you please explain in layman terms: if snail hate salt, why ocean snail? I know that it has to do with mucus and osmosis, but what’s going on? Are there ion pumps? and if terrestrial snails evolved from marine mollusks, why was salt tolerance lost?

Cat Baklarz

yes, to me mellibe smell like watermelon. I know that the chemicals for defense, but has it been used in perfumes? What about smelling like a snack offers defense?

Cat Baklarz

and for this reason, are they plankton or no?

Cat Baklarz

The way that mellibe eat is very unique among marine gastropods, and I was wondering if most nudibranchs have radulas or if there are other funky ways of eating and why these adaptations may have evolved

Cat Baklarz

not an ologist but I work at an aquarium and one concern that you alluded to here is that some species like opalescent nudis will eat each other so we have to be careful about that if we find any random nudis on the seaweed, we do our best to find safe tanks for them that won’t have forced proximity. that way, no one becomes a snack.

Cat Baklarz

thank you for this resource!!

Cat Baklarz

resources for learning about nudis? I really like the book nudibranch behavior, but I think it’s out of print :(

Cat Baklarz

which one smells like sandalwood? :o

A softly boiled egg

Tips on how to spot these cool little guys for scuba divers and rock pool enthusiasts?

Danielle Sucher

Where can I go to sniff a hooded nudibranch? I hear they smell like watermelon and I'm dying to confirm firsthand!

Susan Singley

So many questions! Why are they so beautiful? And how can these squishy, squishy critters be so cute? For real, why are they such dazzling colors?

Raja

Do nudibranchs exist solely in marine environments or can they live in freshwater as well?

Raja

How are nudibranch species populations doing? Are they considered at risk? If so, what are the major threats to their existence?

Raja

If a children's book had a nudibranch character, what would be the most appropriate character traits of said being? And what would you name that character given your nudibranch experience?

Lucas O

They're so unreasonably flamboyant. Are there any special pigments they have that aren't found in other life forms that are specific to them?

Rayna

Are these the same thing as flat worms? And also, are they poisonous? Because they look like radioactive caterpillars.

Anna Wolf

What courtship rituals do they have? What’s up with the evolutionary loss of torsion (detorsion) and shell? (shout out to my biologist friend El who rambled about these lil guys with me)

Etienne

Another one, do we know why the colouration for Dendronotus iris (I know it as the Giant Nudibranch up here in BC) can be so varied from individual to individual? I most often see them in Grey/translucent but can also occasionally see them in a bright red and orange morph whereas other species of nudibranch seem to be more similar individual to individual. Is their predation upon the tube dwelling anemone the slowest predator-prey relationship in the world? A slug sneaking up on an essentially stationary animal? (Everyone should look up a video of this)

Freddie & Eli

How do they reproduce and can they change sexes like other sea creatures?

Freddie & Eli

What types of venoms do they have and are they used for any cures?

Kelly Shaver

What, if any, social structures do they have?

Kelly Shaver

How are they used in science outside of marine biology, like drug research or pollution research or anything else?

Kelly Shaver

Do they have brains? If so, what are their brains like?

Kelly Shaver

My 4 year old niece wants to know what the squishy bumps are for and why do they look pokey if they aren’t actually pokey?

Mindy Corcoran Turley

These things are absolutely gorgeous, why? I understand that bright coloring often communicates "poison!" but the patterns or so amazing, like in my wildest dreams, amazing. What is that about?

Mindy Corcoran Turley

Maybe a weird question but what if anything did ancient people think of these things? Since they are so striking and sometimes in tide pools and shallow areas, do these ever show up in ancient art or folklore?

Blobfish guy

I missed the exact deadline but are they and slugs in the same genus

haille ragusa

There’s so many shapes and sizes. At what point are they just a completely different thing ??

LolasMiddleToe

We see masses of Glaucus sp. washing up on the east coast of Australia after big northerly winds. Where are they hanging out normally? If I sail out to sea will I find spots where the ocean’s surface is covered in them? Where are these spicy sparkling beauties hiding?

Earl of Greymalkin

Hahaha wow! Not sure why I wasn't prepared for cannibalism when the ocean is so weird. Do they eat each other of the same species specifically or other nudibranch too? Is everyone else an equal opportunity snack??

Snarky Mermaid

So stoked for this episode!! I find Shag-rug aeolis nudies on the beach all the time here on Salt Spring Island. I love them.( I often carefully bring them to the water so the seagulls are ripped off in a meal) I can’t believe I missed the deadline when these lovlies were something I suggested! I have no questions because the episodes always seem so thorough, what could I possibly ask that you wouldn’t have already answered?

AmCha

Can one have them as pets? I am fascinated by seasheeps and their ability to somehow photosynthesise.

Sunflower star

A friend found a bunch on the kelp beds on Seahurst Beach near Seattle:)

Milla Arklay

Why do they look like they are from monsters inc?

Milla Arklay

How did they evolve? Is there any families they are closely related to that are unexpected?

Elinor Wahl

OMG - I'm so sorry that I forgot to ask about apophallation in sea slugs 😭 (Hint: the term refers to chewing off your partner's phallus)

Gem Addison

Why are they so colourful? And does the state of natural reefs impact their colour?

Sasha Watterson

When is this coming out I'm so excited!!!

The Sassy Shork

How come some look like they have fireworks for toes and others look like one of those twirly skirts just living it up under the sea? Is this different environmental pressures? Something completely different? Or can one just afford to splash the cash on a pedicure that cost more than car? (Please let the last one be true, these nudibranches….. nudibranchi? are so fudging CUTE!!!)