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NUDIBRANCHS Defense mechanisms This group includes some of the most colorful creatures on earth. In the course of evolution, sea slugs have lost their shell because they have developed other defense mechanisms. Some species evolved an external anatomy with textures and colors that mimicked surrounding plants to avoid predators (see camouflage). Other nudibranchs, as seen especially well on chromodorids, have an intensely bright and contrasting color pattern that makes them especially conspicuous in their surroundings. This is believed to be an example of aposematic coloration; the shocking coloration warns potential predators that the slugs are distasteful or poisonous.
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Oscellated octopus "MOTOTI"Rudman's phyllodesmiumJakobsen's phyllodesmiumEmperor shrimpColeman shrimpSkeleton shrimpBobtail squidGhostpipe fishSeahorsesSaw-blade shrimpFlamboyant cuttlefishPygmy seahorseMarble shrimpSquat lobsterNudibranchsNudibranchs 2Electric scallop |