Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The Hooded Nudibranch, Melibe leonina, is also called the Lion Nudibranch. This mollusk is almost transparent with a slight yellowish-green cast. Unlike other nudibranchs, Melibe have no radula and M. Leonina has no jaws. It uses its oral hood, lined with 2 rows of tentacles to capture prey. Found in offshore kelpbeds and eelgrass meadows.




Image ID: nerr0799, NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve Collection
Location: North Puget Sound, Anacortes, Washington

Photo Source:
The NOAA Photo Library http://www.photolib.noaa.gov
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Adminstration (NOAA) http://www.noaa.gov/