Not on Exhibit
pink encrusting bryozoan, Eurystomella bilabiata
to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long
snails, clams, other sea slugs; Order: Nudibranchia
Oregon to Baja California
This pink nudibranch seasonally brightens local tide pools. Nudibranchs, also called sea slugs, are sea snails without a shell. Many nudibranchs wear bright colors that may warn predators that the slugs taste bitter or foul. Usually the only animals that eat nudibranchs are other nudibranchs.
Though it may look rugged, the rocky shore habitat is fragile. Rocky shore creatures are at risk from coastal development and from pollution (including waste oil and agricultural runoff). And some tide pools are in danger of being "loved to death" by visitors. Tread lightly as you explore tide pools to avoid crushing plants and animals, and never take creatures from their tide pool homes.
The name "nudibranch" means "naked gill," and the feathery gills of these animals take many fancy forms.