What do you imagine when you picture a slug? Odds are, nothing too spectacular. That said, there is one sea slug who is a beautiful exception. This creature is considered a Nudibranch. In other words, they are soft-bodied marine mollusks that lack external shells.
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Nudibranch can come in a variety of colors, but the Spanish shawl has to be one of the best and brightest. These colorful sea slugs are hard to miss, especially if you are exploring a tidepool. Their neon-colored exterior makes them look more like toys than actual animals. See for yourself in the stunning video below!
@morghoffadventures everyone meet the ✨Spanish Shawl Nudibranch✨ 💜🧡❤️ *i have seen one once before, a long time ago, as shown in my other videos but it was far away, very small, the water was murky, and someone else spotted it for us* THIS IS DIFFERENT #nudibranch #seaslug #spanishshawl #marinelife #tidepool #kingtide #lowtide #tidepooling #californiatidepool #sandiego #lajolla ♬ original sound – bella ☮︎
This actually isn’t Morgan’s very first time running into a Spanish shawl, but this one was a huge deal. Before, the water was murky, making it impossible to actually appreciate this vibrant sea slug. Luckily, she got a second chance thanks to the extra clear water, as you can see in this video.
The Brightest Nudibranch, the Spanish Shawl, Captures the Hearts of Everyone Who Spots Them
“Seeing one of these cuties is at the TOP of my tide pooling wish list,” someone shares in reply to Morgan’s video.
Want a chance to view one of these neon-colored wonders in person? You’re going to want to head to the West Coast, where the Nudibranch are native. That said, they span a pretty wide range. They can be found from British Columbia all the way down to Baja California, the Galapagos Islands, and even off the coast of Ecuador!
If you do see one, please remember to give it space! These creatures should not be picked up or touched for your safety and theirs. That said, tons of photos and videos are highly encouraged!
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!
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