Phidiana hiltoni
Hilton's Aeolid

A beautiful example of the Aeolid-shaped nudibranch shows its white and red rhinophores (horns) which are sensory organs atop the head.  Also notable are the dark brown cores of its many cerata -- finger-like respiratory structures bearing extensions of the digestive gland.  Through these extenstions, the stinging cells of its prey -- anemonies and hydroids -- pass undigested; they then lodge in the tip of the cerata and are used by their new host as defensive mechanisms.

Lens: 60mm macro
Film: Velvia
Location: San Miguel Island, CA
©1998 Garry McCarthy