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| Opalescent
Nudibranch |
(Hermissenda
crassicornis) |
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Description:
Colorful mollusk without a shell. Most species absorb oxygen
through unusual appendages, called cerata, that grow from their
back. Body translucent white with cerata tipped by orange.Two
white smell sensing rhinophores extend from the head. Found
in eelgrass beds, and rocky beaches. Look for this animal on
the undersides of older Moon Snail sand collars. Length up to
2 inches. |
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| Food:
Omnivorous. |
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| Reproduction:
Most are hermaphrodites; having both male and female reproductive
organs. Eggs are deposited in ribbon-like clusters. |
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| Fun
Facts: This species has mouth parts adapted to separate
the different layers of a Moon Snail sand collar so it can feast
on the tiny eggs. |
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| Shaggy
Mouse |
(Aeolidea
papillosa) |
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Description:
Colorful mollusk without a shell. Most species absorb oxygen
through unusual appendages, called cerata, that grow from their
back. Gray-brown body with numerous cerata. Found on rocks,
pilings, eelgrass beds, and mudflats. Length up to 2.5 inches.
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| Food:
This sea slug eats the tentacles of sea anemones. |
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| Reproduction:
Most are hermaphrodites; having both male and female reproductive
organs. Eggs are deposited in ribbon-like clusters. |
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| Fun
Facts: Immune to the anemone sting; this species
can consume 100 percent of its body mass per day! This species
is found worldwide. |
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| Frosted
Nudibranch |
(Dirona
albolineata) |
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Description:
Colorful mollusk without a shell. Most species absorb oxygen
through unusual appendages, called cerata, that grow from their
back. Opaque with leaf-like cerata edged in brilliant white.
Length normally about to 1.5 inches, but can grow to 7 inches. |
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| Food:
Feeds primarily on small snails which it breaks open with its
small teeth. |
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| Reproduction:
Most are hermaphrodites; having both male and female reproductive
organs. Eggs are deposited in ribbon-like clusters. |
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| Fun
Facts: This species is also found in Japan and Russia! |
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| Brown-Striped
Nudibranch |
(Armina
californica) |
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Description:
Colorful mollusk without a shell. Lacks cerata. Instead has
gill-like structures under a flap along its margins. Flattened
leaf-shaped body with thin brown and white stripes. Length up
to 3 inches. |
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| Food:
Feeds on Orange Sea Pens. |
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| Reproduction:
Most are hermaphrodites; having both male and female reproductive
organs. Eggs are deposited in ribbon-like clusters. |
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| Fun
Facts: This sea slug is most commonly found out
on the sandy tidal flats at a very low tide. Try Marina beach
between the old pier and the sandbar. |
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| Sea
Lemon |
(Doris
montereyensis) |
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Description:
Colorful mollusk without a shell. Lacks cerata. Oval, pale to
deep yellow with brown spots on back. A pair of pointy rhinophores
at the front end, and a frilly gill cluster at the rear. Found
on rocks and pilings; anywhere encrusting sponges may be found.
Length up to 2 inches. |
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| Food:
Feeds on a variety of encrusting sponges. |
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| Reproduction:
Most are hermaphrodites; having both male and female reproductive
organs. Eggs are deposited in ribbon-like clusters. |
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| Fun
Facts: This species has a citrus or fruity smell
which may help it repel intruders. |
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Copyright
© 2008-2009 City of Edmonds, Washington - All Rights Reserved |
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