Date Taken:
June 25, 2011
Photographer:
Dan Norton
[11]Caption:
An aeolid nudibranch displays its rows of cerata, respiratory organs, down its back. Each ceras is tipped with a stinging "cnidosac" used for the nudibranch's protection. The stinging cells (and the orange-brown color) come from the nudibranch's food, hydroids and other stinging cnidarians. Therefore, individuals of the same species can vary greatly in color depending on the food source.
Description:
Nudibranch - Pteraeolidia ianthina, taken at Mwahnd Pass/Palikir Pass, Pohnpei, MIcronesia
Copyright:
This photograph is available for non-commercial use with credit to the photographer. If you are interested in commercial use, please contact photobank@coral.org [12].