Discovering the fascinating world of Nudibranchs
Nudibranchs are a fascinating group of marine mollusks, often referred to as “sea slugs.” Known for their vibrant colors and striking shapes, they’re like the underwater equivalent of butterflies.The term “nudibranch” means “naked gills”. They are snails that lost their coiled shells through evolution.They comprise over 4700 known species worldwide.They are classified into the dorid and aeolid.
Why are Nudibranchs important?
Nudibranchs, while often overlooked, play crucial roles in marine ecosystems: they help maintain the balance of their habitats by controlling the populations of organisms like sponges and algae. Their presence and abundance can indicate the health of a marine ecosystem. Changes in their populations can signal issues like pollution or climate change. Nudibranchs offer valuable insights into various fields, including evolutionary biology, neurobiology, and pharmacology. Some species possess unique chemical defenses that have potential medical applications. Their stunning diversity contributes to the overall richness and complexity of marine life. Essentially, nudibranchs are important for maintaining the health and balance of our oceans.
Dr Lisa Ah Shee Tee’s Key Discoveries:
123 Euthyneuran species identified with dominance of nudibranch diversity.
30 novel records for the island and 16 species identified to the genus level.
A total of 47 specimens were DNA barcoded.
Higher species occurring at Bain des Dames (Tambja morosa) and Le Morne (leaf slug).
No clear distinction between the Dolabella auricularia species of Mauritius and Rodrigues.
Book Project:
Purposes:
- Documentation and Awareness
- Educational Resource
- Conservation Advocacy
- Scientific Reference
The idea for this book originated from my research. After a thorough literature review, I discovered that only a few studies on nudibranchs have been conducted in the Republic of Mauritius.
Why do your photos matter?
- Enhancing Our Understanding
- Filling Knowledge Gaps
- Citizen Science Contribution
- Continuous Discovery
- After 8 years of monitoring, discovery of new species in Australia are at an average of 1.18 new species every week.
- Creating a Comprehensive Record
- Encouraging Conservation
Contributors will receive full recognition for their photographs
If you wish to contribute to Dr. Lisa Ah Shee Tee’s project, please submit your photographs to her email address at chin.29.ah@gmail.com
Picture Requirements:
- Whole picture of the sea slug
- If possible, a picture of the underneath of the slug
- Length of the sea slug (approximate – a finger in the picture will do)
- Location
- Depth