Stunning rainbow sea slug seen for the first time in Devon

Stunning rainbow sea slug seen for the first time in Devon

A father and daughter were amazed to find the multicolour nudibranch while rockpooling near Wembury on the south coast of Devon.

Published: August 20, 2024 at 7:16 am

A father and daughter recently made an amazing discovery when they were rockpooling near Wembury in Devon. Felix Lever and her father Ashley found a 3cm rainbow sea slug, which has never been recorded in Devon before. 

“As far as we know, this is the first record for Wembury Marine Conservation Area,” says Coral Smith, Devon Wildlife Trust’s Marine Engagement Officer.

Dr Paul Naylor (Felix’s grandfather) caught the rainbow sea slug on camera. Credit: Paul Naylor

This spectacular slug is usually found in the Mediterranean and its presence in UK waters may be due to waters warming as a result of climate change.

For Felix’s grandfather Dr Paul Naylor, who captured the video footage, this special local find highlights the importance of Wembury for marine creatures. “[My family] got the marine life ‘bug’ when they started coming to Wembury. It’s such an iconic place for marine education and conservation,” he says.

Image and video credit: Paul Naylor | Words: Melissa Hobson

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