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Nature and Environment

The nudibranch

October 28, 2016

Small and colorful, nudibranchs brighten up the ocean floor. But these seemingly defenceless slug-like creatures are dangerous too.

https://p.dw.com/p/2Rq2t
Chromodoris willani
Image: picture-alliance/Hippocampus Bildarchiv

My favorite - The nudibranch

Photographer Michelangelo Pignani fell in love with nudibranchs in the course of his macrophotography. These alien-like creatures are small but they pack a toxic punch for anyone trying to nibble on them. Nudibranchs come in an array of garish colors that also signal to any would-be predators to stay away. 

About "My favorite"

With all the talk of endangered species, the value of biodiversity and the usefulness of ecosystems, we sometimes forget why plants and animals are really worth protecting: because we love them, or depend on them for our own wellbeing. People from all walks of life and in all parts of the world have a favorite species. The reasons are many - perhaps because it is beautiful, or fascinating, or it helps them secure a livelihood. Meet some of these people and their favorites in our series "My favorite."