Saturday, January 15, 2011

Nudibranchs and flatworms

Have you ever seen a nudibranch? Have you ever seen them swim in the water column or move along the rocks? Do you know the difference between a flatworm and a nudibranch? Nudibranchs are commonly confused with flatworms, which are just as colorful and awing.
While exploring the reef during the two reef walks this month, we saw two different types of flatworms! The first flatworm looked like a piece of black algae until we placed it into the bucket. It fluttered its mantle and started swimming around. It was a beautiful and graceful sight. The second flatworm we discovered was hidden under a rock and it displayed a dazzling array of yellows and blacks. This was a first for me while exploring the tide pools.
There are so many other amazing animals to be discovered and I would love to have your help in finding them with me on a reef walk. I hope to see you out there soon!
A hui hou!

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