Maned nudibranch

(Aeolidia papillosa)

The Maned Nudibranch, a species of the sea slug family, has a body colour ranging from brown to pale orange. These shell-less molluscs display some of nature's most vivid colors and patterns. Nudibranchs derive their coloring from the food they eat, which helps in camouflage to protect them from predators. Generally oblong in shape, nudibranchs can range in size, depending on their current surroundings. Finger-like projections cover the sides but not the mid-dorsal area and often have a white V-shaped mark on the front of their head. The front tentacles are cone-shaped with thick dark coloured bases and white tips. These bottom-dwelling sea slugs usually live in intertidal shallow waters.