Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

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.

Photo Category: Estuaries - Fauna - Marine
Photo Location: North Puget Sound, Anacortes, Washington