Nudibranch

About Nudibranchs in Singapore

Last updated 31 May 2026

Known widely for their variety and beauty, keep your eyes peeled for Nudibranchs (Nudibranchia), also known as sea slugs, in the waters around Singapore. Like the slugs on land, Nudibranchs are closely related to snails but have evolved to lose their shells.

The name ‘Nudibranch’ means “naked gills”, which refers to the feathery cluster of exposed gills found in many species.

Identifying features

Check out some of the identifying features of Nudibranchs below.

On the left is a Phyllid Nudibranch (Phyllidiella pustulosa), and on the right is a Hypselodoris Nudibranch (Hypselodoris kanga).

Nudibranchs come in a wide variety of colours and patterns. They also have a pair of “feelers” on their head called rhinophores, used to detect prey and track down mates. Some species feature a plume of feathery gills on their back.

Habitat and ecology

Nudibranchs are found in a variety of marine habitats such as coral rubble, the rocky shore, or among seagrasses. While almost all species are found in salt water, a few have been found to tolerate lower salinity brackish water.

Did you know?

Nudibranchs eat other animals, and some even store stinging cells from the sea anemones, corals and sponges that they consume. Their bright colours advertise their toxicity to would-be predators. So admire them up close, but avoid touching them!