A nice view of a small, but fancy nudibranch— Diaphoreolis lagunae (formerly Cuthona lagunae) on a blade of surfgrass (Phyllospadix sp.). This individual was ~10 mm long. Photographed on 22 June 2024.
Yes, this species only reaches a maximum length of ~14 mm, so this individual is on the larger end. Some species of nudibranchs are quite small, which definitely makes them harder to spot, but if you can get a closer view, they're often spectacular!
Yes, I think you'd appreciate that this one took some patience and time. I had an idea of the photo I wanted to show of this nudibranch, but taking the photo under water with moving water and shifting seagrass and seaweeds is challenging. I actually had tried a few times and it wasn't working out. And then I decided to try one more time and was able to take this photo. Whew! Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn't! Always an interesting story behind a photo.
So beautiful and intricate. Is it full-grown?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful…thank you.
ReplyDeleteYes, this species only reaches a maximum length of ~14 mm, so this individual is on the larger end. Some species of nudibranchs are quite small, which definitely makes them harder to spot, but if you can get a closer view, they're often spectacular!
ReplyDelete:) Jackie
Such a clear image it looks like a land creature. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi, John!
ReplyDeleteYes, I think you'd appreciate that this one took some patience and time. I had an idea of the photo I wanted to show of this nudibranch, but taking the photo under water with moving water and shifting seagrass and seaweeds is challenging. I actually had tried a few times and it wasn't working out. And then I decided to try one more time and was able to take this photo. Whew! Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn't! Always an interesting story behind a photo.
:) Jackie
Hi Jackie, Are you using an Olympus TG camera or something else?
DeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteYes, this nudibranch photo was taken with an Olympus Tough TG-6.
:) Jackie