Feeding Hypselodoris cantabrica

Nudibranchs are carnivores grazing on algae, anemones, barnacles, corals, sponges and also on other nudibranchs.  The two highly sensitive tentacles, called rhinophores, on the top of their head locate their prey.  The alluring colours of nudibranchs come from the colouring of the food they eat.  Some nudis retain foul-tasting poisons of their prey and then secrete them as a defense against predators.  

Black-faced Blenny - Tripterygion delaisi

Italiano - Peperoncino giallo

T.delaisi inhabit depths between 3 - 40m.  It prefers dark areas hidden between rocks and under overhangs.

They are territorial breeders.  The males are responsible for taking care of the eggs.

Tompot Blenny

Nudibranch Mating

 Mating occurs head to tail through a genital aperture. 

All nudibranchs are equipped with both male and female reproductive organs, each fertilizing the other, and both producing eggs.

Cuckoo Kiss

Rainbow Wrasse - Coris julis

Peacock Worm - Sabella pavonina

 At first sight these little animals look like plants, but they are in fact worms.

The worm lives inside the tube formed from mud, sand particles and mucus.  Protruding tentacles extend outwards and filter feed on passing particles.  When disturbed the tentacles quickly retract into the tube.

Two-banded Sea Bream - Diplodus vulgaris

 Known as la Mojarra in Spanish and very common in shallow water.

Nudibranch and Yellow Cluster Anemones (Parazoanthus axinellae)

Mediterranean Blenny

Nudibranch - Janolus cristatus

Feeds on hydroids, small predators related to jellyfish.

The sting is then stored in the tips of the serrata on its back.

Nudibranchs

 

Tompot Blenny Side Shot

Smiley Tompot Blenny

 Friendly happy chappy not scared of some close-ups.

Zurriola Bridge by Night

Pasajes, Pais Vasco-Spain