Nudibranchs
Nudibranchs (naked-gilled sea-slugs) include some of the most colourful and flamboyant of sea creatures. There are around 3000 valid species in this Molluscan group. Many have bright and elaborate colour patterns as spectacular as those seen in some butterflies. Like butterflies these colour patterns can serve to warn-off predators indicating they are toxic and taste foul - and if eaten it could be their last meal! These creatures may produce their own toxins or obtain them from their diet. Some nudibranchs that feed on fire corals keep their stinging cells to use for their own defence, whereas other nudibranchs that are not toxic use the colour patterns of toxic species to pretend to be dangerous and warn-off predators (mimicry).
All nudibranchs are carnivorous exhibiting quite a diverse range of diets -some species feeding on sponges, others consuming hydroids, and still others eating lace corals (bryozoans). There are species that feed on other sea-slugs or their eggs, and some are occasionally cannibalistic – preying on individuals of their own species.