bushy-backed sea slug

gastropod

Also known as: Dendronotus frondosus

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June 22, 2026

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The bushy-backed sea slug, Dendronotus frondosus, is a type of nudibranch, which is a marine gastropod. Nudibranchs are gastropods that characteristically lack a shell, gills, and mantle cavity. They have bizarre, colorful outgrowths called cerata, which aid in defense and gas exchange. Antenna-like organs called rhinophores are located on their heads. Nudibranchs are found in shallow ocean waters worldwide and primarily feed on other invertebrates, such as sea anemones. The bushy-backed sea slug is named for its lacy cerata and is found in cold northern seas. Gastropods are a diverse class of mollusks found in oceans, freshwater, and on land.12

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nudibranch
…cold northern seas is the bushy-backed sea slug (Dendronotus frondosus), named for its stalked, lacy cerata. Occurring worldwide in warm seas are the blue sea slug (Glaucus marina, or G. atlanticus) and the doridacean nudibranchs such as Doris and Glossodoris. See gastropod.
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…cold northern seas is the bushy-backed sea slug (Dendronotus frondosus), named for its stalked, lacy cerata. Occurring worldwide in warm seas are the blue sea slug (Glaucus marina, or G. atlanticus) and the doridacean nudibranchs such as Doris and Glossodoris. See gastropod.
Read More