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Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

This colorful creature is known as a Spanish shawl nudibranch (Flabellina iodinea). The name comes from the resemblance to the fringed shawls worn by Spanish dancers. This species is native to the west coast of North and Central America. It has been reported as far north as British Columbia and as far south as Baja California. The stunning purple and orange coloring make this one of the most remarkable of the nudibranch species. The neon orange appendages on the animal's back allow it to extract oxygen from the sea water.