Nudibranchs and sea slugs are fascinating marine animals known for their vibrant colours and unique shapes – the butterflies of the ocean. This handbook covers 354 species of nudibranchs, headshield slugs, sap-sucking slugs, sea hares, side-gilled slugs, umbrella snails and a runicinid slug found on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. In addition to size and external features, it also provides information on food sources, predators, pests and diseases, as well as tips on how to distinguish them from similar species. It is an essential reference for divers, snorkelers, beachcombers, underwater photographers, citizen scientists, and anyone else with an interest in this fascinating group. Includes over 400 full colour in situ photos to aid in finding nudibranchs and sea slugs underwater.
This book aims to showcase the incredible diversity of sea slug species found on the Gold Coast and to assist in their identification. It serves as a record of the species the authors have encountered over more than 20 years, along with contributions from others who share this passion. The book is primarily targeted at the dive community, who relish the discovery of various sea slug species – some of which are commonly seen, while others have only been spotted once. Underwater visibility on the Gold Coast can range from 1 to 20 metres (the latter only on rare occasions!), which makes photography challenging. The authors have chosen to use in-situ photos whenever possible, so the image quality may not match that of other guides. However, they believe in keeping it authentic. This is the fascinating world of sea slugs – a realm still shrouded in mystery, particularly as our knowledge evolves rapidly. As a result, identifying sea slugs can be a challenging task that is continuously being updated. The authors encourage readers not to become fixated on names; instead, use this book as a guide and simply enjoy the stunning underwater world.