These Horrifying Sea Slugs Smell Like Watermelon Candies

The lion's mane nudibranch, also known as the hooded sea slug, is a unique marine creature with a distinctive oral hood used for hunting. Despite its small size, it captures prey like jellyfish and small fish by wrapping them in its hood. The nudibranch's most unusual feature is its watermelon scent, produced by terpenoids, which deters predators. Unlike other nudibranchs, it synthesizes this scent itself, as its prey does not produce it. This adaptation allows it to safely hunt and thrive in its environment.

What unique feature does the lion's mane nudibranch use to capture its prey?

• Tentacles

• Oral hood

• Sharp teeth

• Sticky slime

What is the term for the paddle-like structures that hooded sea slugs can discard?

• Fins

• Cerata

• Gills

• Cirri

What unusual scent do hooded sea slugs emit?

• Lavender

• Citrus

• Mint

• Watermelon

How do hooded sea slugs produce the melonal scent?

• From their diet of jellyfish

• By absorbing it from the water

• Through special repugnatorial glands

• By eating watermelon

Why do hooded sea slugs emit a fruity scent?

• To camouflage in their environment

• To attract mates

• To communicate with other slugs

• To deter predators