What does 'nudibranch' mean?

April 25, 2001
From: David James

I would like to simply know why a nudibranch is called a nudibranch? If that makes sense.
Its a Great Site
Thanks.
David

davidmcleod@tasmail.com

James, D., 2001 (Apr 25) What does 'nudibranch' mean?. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/4235

Dear David,
The word nudibranch is made from two Latin words nudus = naked and an branchia = gills. All sea slugs have evolved from snails which have a shell. Nudibranch essentially means 'naked gills' and refers to the fact that in sea slugs the protective shell is lost and the gills are exposed [see photo alongside]. In many nudibranchs, the gills can be quickly withdrawn into a gill pocket if they are in danger of being nibbled by a predator.

For more background information look at the following pages:
•What is a slug?
•How snails became sea slugs
•Torsion and nudibranch gills

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2001 (Apr 25). Comment on What does 'nudibranch' mean? by David James. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/4235

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