Nembrotha De Mer Rouge

Overview

Nembrotha megalocera is a striking dorid nudibranch endemic to the Red Sea. First described in 1990, this colorful sea slug is recognized for its distinct black and yellow patterning and is often found crawling across coral reefs.

Appearance

This species features a black dorsum with vibrant lemon-yellow coloration around the head and gill area. Two pale grey spots are typically visible behind the rhinophores, which are black. The body flanks are orange, transitioning to white near the foot, while the oral tentacles, foot margins, and the bases of the gills and rhinophores are marked with a vivid bluish-violet. The gills themselves are generally deep red, though pigmentation intensity can vary between individuals.

Biology & behavior

Nembrotha megalocera is known to move with a brisk, active crawling motion across the substrate. When disturbed, it has been observed swimming through the water column using lateral body flexion. Like other members of its genus, it is a predator that feeds on colonial ascidians (tunicates) and bryozoans.