New Delhi: A rainbow sea slug was recently sighted in UK waters, a rare occurrence as the species is typically found in the Mediterranean region. The discovery took place in a rock pool in south Devon, near Wembury, which is believed to be the first recorded instance of the animal in the county’s waters. This particular species is commonly found in the Mediterranean Sea and along the coastlines of France, Portugal, and Spain. Let us know some facts about this unique sea creature.
Rainbow Sea Slug: Facts to know about the marine animal
Rainbow Sea Slug or Babakina anadoni is a striking species of sea slug, a type of aeolid nudibranch belonging to the Babakinidae family. This species was initially identified in 1979 and was initially classified under the genus Rioselleolis, named after Ribadesella, Asturias, where the holotype was discovered. However, it has since been reclassified under the genus Babakina. The species was named in honour of Emilio Anadón Frutos (1917–1997), a distinguished zoology and marine biology professor at the University of Oviedo, Spain.
This sea slug is a visual spectacle, displaying various colours and growing up to 2 cm long. Its body is predominantly a shade of purple, with its chemosensory organs (rhinophores) and other structures covering its surface (cerata) exhibiting a captivating mix of contrasting colours, including shades of purple, blue, white, yellow, and pink.
Distribution and habitat
The species is commonly found in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, specifically off the west coast of Spain, the Canary Islands, Portugal, and occasionally in southern France.
It has also been sighted in the eastern Atlantic, including The Bahamas, the French Caribbean, and along the coast of Brazil. There have been occasional records of the species in temperate waters as well. In 2022, an individual specimen was discovered off the Isles of Scilly in the United Kingdom, which is farther north than its typical range.
Additionally, in May 2023, another specimen was found in a rock pool at Falmouth, Cornwall, even further north than the previous sighting.
About Sea Slugs
Sea slugs are marine invertebrates, often gastropods or sea snails, that have lost or reduced their shells. They come in various shapes, colours, and sizes, with many being partially translucent. Their bright colours warn potential predators about their toxic stinging cells or unpleasant taste. Sea slugs have rhinophores for the sense of smell and feathery structures that act as gills. They prey on specific animals for food, such as jellyfish, bryozoans, and sea anemones. The sea slug’s sighting so far north is likely a clear indication of the impact of climate change. As the oceans continue to warm, the habitats where these small creatures can thrive are also shifting. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
