18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Nudibranch Madness

This sea slug nudibranch, Tambja abdere, uses its delicate rhinophores (antennae-like structures) to sense food as it crawls along the reef. About an inch long, the animal's brilliant coloration warns potential predators that it is toxic. It can secrete a noxious mucus when attacked.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2020
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: n/a, Mexico
Camera: NIKON D850
Copyright: © JillAnne McCarty