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Melibe viridis
Also known as Melibe Sea Slug, and also referred to as M. mirifica and M. vexillifera. They feed on hydroids, coral, sponges and anemones, crustaceans, and even on small fish. They grow to a length of about 30cm. Melibe have developed an oral veil which they use to scan the ground with. Constantly on the move to look for food, the veil contracts when it does, trapping its prey.
Found singly or in pairs on coral reefs, on sand and rubble areas, at depths of 5 to 20m. Widespread in the Western Indo-Pacific region.
Spotted this very unusual-looking nudibranch at a depth of 13m, at the Dayang Beach dive site, Talikud Island, Samal. It measured about 14-15cm. I was able to catch it on video as it caught a shrimp in its humongous mouth! The 1st photo shows the nudibranch with its oral veil retracted; the 2nd & 3rd photos show it extended; the 4th is a close-up of its head; the last photo shows part of the animal's backside.
Spotted on Apr 28, 2012
Submitted on Apr 28, 2012
9 Comments
Your vid is amazing!
Hi Leuba! I love sharing my photos and videos, that's why Project Noah is perfect for me!
Don't really know what it does with the fish bones. By the looks of it, it ingested the whole fish, bones and all. Maybe it has a powerful digestive system. :D
Blogie, there are plenty of amazing creatures in the sea and everywhere else but, what's most important is people like you sharing it with people like me who'd probably never get to see these in the wild. For this I thank you. Watched the video - this nudibranch is truly amazing - what does it do with the hard parts like fish bones ??
It's an eating machine! :D
It seems to sweep everywhere rather than 'see' things.
Words can't describe. I like the 'fingery' things inside that tickle small creatures into the middle of its 'fishbowl' head.
Thanks, Argybee! :D
Everybody watch this thingy feeding. You won't believe it.
Check out the video - this monster nudibranch trapped and consumed a small fish with its huge mouth!