20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Hypselodoris apolegma

This is a nudibranch found in Asian waters to the South Pacific. They are little sea cows grazing along rubbled sea bottoms usually smaller than an inch. In truth it is a type of mollusk, a shell-less sea slug. They come in all types of shapes and colors with a vast array of defense mechanisms, complete with retractable body parts. The purple and gold color is spectacular. Philippines.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Anilao, Philippines
Camera: NIKON D500
Copyright: © Susan Meldonian