Dusky Nembrotha

Description:

This nudibranch can reach a length of more than 12cm. Its large, dark body may have green stripes running down the length of the body, and/or green spots. The tail-end of the body may also have a red-orange marking. The margin of the foot and head is a vivid red-orange. The rhinophores and gills are usually red or green. N. kubaryana is easily confused with a similar species, N. cristata, although the latter has no red-orange border on its foot. This sea slug feeds on ascidians, including Sigillina signifera. It uses the toxins from its prey to defend itself against predators. It stores the ascidian's toxins in its tissues and then releases them in a slimy defensive mucus when alarmed.

Habitat:

Found singly or in pairs on coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific region.

Notes:

Photos taken at a depth of 21.5m during a day dive at Coral Gardens, Talikud Island. It measured about 3.5cm long when stretched out.