White-Patch Aeolid

Flabellina engeli

Nudibranchs are carnivores rather than herbivores. The fringe-like projections on their backs (which increase the Nudibranch's skin surface) are actually external gills. They absorb oxygen through the skin rather than using a gill structure like fish do. Most species of Nudibranchs are uncommon in the Caribbean. They eat things like stinging hydroids and tentacles of jellyfish. They absorb the poisons and use them for their own body defense. Pretty cool!