Lion’s Mane Nudibranchs

Recently there has been an explosion of lion’s mane nudibranchs at what is called Middle Reef, just off of San Carlos Beach in Monterey. These creatures are also called hooded nudibranchs and have some interesting behaviors.

Unlike most nudibranchs, these sea slugs can swim. They can repel potential predators by producing noxious smells from their repugnatorial glands. The offensive odors have a watermelon-like scent.