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Lion's Mane Nudibranch (Aeolidia papillosa)

from $95.00
Quantity:

Live Lion’s Mane Nudibranch (Aeolidia papillosa)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.

The Lion’s Mane Nudibranch (Aeolidia papillosa) is a fascinating soft-bodied sea slug found along Maine’s rocky intertidal zones. Recognized by its dense covering of fine cerata that resemble the mane of a lion, this nudibranch displays a dusky gray coloration with pale, whitish highlights. It feeds primarily on sea anemones and is often found under rocks, along pilings, or among free-floating seaweed mats.

Sustainably hand-collected from the lower intertidal zone, this species is a favorite among marine biologists and educators for demonstrating nudibranch anatomy, feeding behavior, and camouflage adaptations.

Key Facts:
Common name: Lion’s mane nudibranch
Scientific name: Aeolidia papillosa
Locations: Lower intertidal in rocky substrate
Seasonality: Available year round; best collected in spring
Colors: Dusky gray with whitish highlights
Size: 1” – 2”
Collected: Under rocks, along piles, in free-floating weed piles
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 Lion’s Mane Nudibranch (Aeolidia papillosa)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.

The Lion’s Mane Nudibranch (Aeolidia papillosa) is a fascinating soft-bodied sea slug found along Maine’s rocky intertidal zones. Recognized by its dense covering of fine cerata that resemble the mane of a lion, this nudibranch displays a dusky gray coloration with pale, whitish highlights. It feeds primarily on sea anemones and is often found under rocks, along pilings, or among free-floating seaweed mats.

Sustainably hand-collected from the lower intertidal zone, this species is a favorite among marine biologists and educators for demonstrating nudibranch anatomy, feeding behavior, and camouflage adaptations.

Key Facts:
Common name: Lion’s mane nudibranch
Scientific name: Aeolidia papillosa
Locations: Lower intertidal in rocky substrate
Seasonality: Available year round; best collected in spring
Colors: Dusky gray with whitish highlights
Size: 1” – 2”
Collected: Under rocks, along piles, in free-floating weed piles
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.

Please Contact for Wholesale Pricing

Tidepool Tim says,  “Lions' mane nudibranchs are the kings of the sea slug group.  We find them in low water among the rocks and are always impressed with their size alone.  Once we put them in our aquaria - we see just how big and imposing they are! Supposedly they feed on anemones though we have never witnessed this. They have a neat mane of lobes of tissue called 'cerata'.  These nudibranchs are common throughout the world in coldwater environments. They feed on anemones like Urticaria and Metridium.”