Bushy-backed Nudibranch (Dendronotus frondosus)

from $90.00
Quantity:

Live Bushy-Backed Nudibranch (Dendronotus frondosus)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.

The Bushy-Backed Nudibranch (Dendronotus frondosus) is a colorful sea slug found along the rocky intertidal coast of Maine. This striking species displays vivid shades of orange and red and is easily recognized by its branching, frond-like cerata along the back. Typically found on the undersides of large rocks in the lower intertidal zone, these nudibranchs feed on hydroids and small sessile invertebrates. Each specimen is gently hand-collected from tidepools and subtidal habitats to ensure safe handling and minimal disturbance. Ideal for aquariums, classrooms, and marine biology studies, this species offers an up-close look at the diversity of Maine’s invertebrate life.

Key Facts:
Common name: Bushy-backed nudibranch
Scientific name: Dendronotus frondosus
Locations: Undersides of large rocks in lower intertidal
Seasonality: Available year round
Colors: Orange and red
Size: 1” – 2”
Collected: By hand – carefully pulled from rocks
Quantity: Sold by the each
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com

Live Bushy-Backed Nudibranch (Dendronotus frondosus)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.

The Bushy-Backed Nudibranch (Dendronotus frondosus) is a colorful sea slug found along the rocky intertidal coast of Maine. This striking species displays vivid shades of orange and red and is easily recognized by its branching, frond-like cerata along the back. Typically found on the undersides of large rocks in the lower intertidal zone, these nudibranchs feed on hydroids and small sessile invertebrates. Each specimen is gently hand-collected from tidepools and subtidal habitats to ensure safe handling and minimal disturbance. Ideal for aquariums, classrooms, and marine biology studies, this species offers an up-close look at the diversity of Maine’s invertebrate life.

Key Facts:
Common name: Bushy-backed nudibranch
Scientific name: Dendronotus frondosus
Locations: Undersides of large rocks in lower intertidal
Seasonality: Available year round
Colors: Orange and red
Size: 1” – 2”
Collected: By hand – carefully pulled from rocks
Quantity: Sold by the each
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com

A bushy - backed nudibranch nestled in eelgrass, a vascular marine plant.

A bushy - backed nudibranch nestled in eelgrass, a vascular marine plant.

Tidepool Tim says, "This pretty little creature is a sea slug!  The color displayed by nudibranchs - and they do exist in every color - is for defense. Some have stingers and toxin, and the bright colors warn other creatures of it.  Even the nontoxic slugs ward away pests by mimicking the bright colors of a toxic slug.  This strategy is called aposematic coloring.  Not all brightly colored animals are dangerous, but we tend to avoid them."