Nudibranchs

Mike Bartick & Terence Gosliner · Issue 149, Mar/Apr 2026 · pp. 51–58

Products mentioned: Nikon Z8, 105mm F2.8 Nikkor, Nauticam housing, EMWL 160º, EMWL 100º, Backscatter HF-1, Backscatter Miniflash, SMC2

Seemingly crafted for photographers, nudibranchs are slow-moving, vibrant, and have adapted to curious shapes and sizes. Opisthobranchs, commonly called Nudis or Slugs, can be found worldwide. However, the most incredible variety and abundance are primarily found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in an area designated as the Coral Triangle. Aside from their cute demeanor, slugs also play an essential role in science and have been the focus of study for many decades. They are helping researchers discover more about the functions of evolution and medical research, and they could even help relate to the health of many ecosystems in our oceans. Yes, slugs might be adorable, but their significance cannot be understated. Certain “hotspots” for slugs also exist in the area loosely mapped by science that forms the Coral Triangle. This region roughly includes Papua New Guinea, Indo…