Nudibranchs and other Sea Slugs from the Gold Coast, Southern Queensland, Australia

Nudibranchs and sea slugs are fascinating marine animals known for their vibrant colours and unique shapes – the butterflies of the ocean. This handbook covers 354 species of nudibranchs, headshield slugs, sap-sucking slugs, sea hares, side-gilled slugs, umbrella snails and a runicinid slug found on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. In addition to size and external features, it also provides information on food sources, predators, pests and diseases, as well as tips on how to distinguish them from similar species. It is an essential reference for divers, snorkelers, beachcombers, underwater photographers, citizen scientists, and anyone else with an interest in this fascinating group. Includes over 400 full colour in situ photos to aid finding nudibranchs and sea slugs underwater or to enjoy the real experience for those unable to witness it firsthand.

The term ‘nudibranch’ translates to ‘naked gills’, which refers to their exposed gill structures and they are remarkably diverse in shapes, sizes, physiology, behaviour and vibrant colours, which serve both as a means of camouflage and as a warning signal to potential predators regarding their toxicity.

Sea Slugs are marine gastropod molluscs that are either non-shell-bearing or appear not to be. In evolutionary terms, they possess a small and thin internal shell, or have an extremely small shell that does not allow the soft body of the animal to retract into it or completely lose the shell.