DSC_5639 Apricot side-gilled sea slug (Berthellina citrina) with spawn mass. Found from the Three Kings Islands, down the northeastern coast of the North Island to East Cape. It's diet comprises several species of sponges. Low intertidal down to 60m on rocky reefs in semi-sheltered to open localities with clean water. Found under boulders during the day, emerging at night. Mathesons Bay, Leigh *
DSC_5645 Apricot side-gilled sea slug (Berthellina citrina) with spawn mass. Found from the Three Kings Islands, down the northeastern coast of the North Island to East Cape. It's diet comprises several species of sponges. Low intertidal down to 60m on rocky reefs in semi-sheltered to open localities with clean water. Found under boulders during the day, emerging at night. Mathesons Bay, Leigh *
DSC_4726 Grey side-gilled sea slug (Pleurobranchaea maculata) juvenile. Until 2009, it was not known that this sea slug contains tetrodotoxin (TTX) – a toxic substance that killed several dogs on an Auckland beach, presumably after they ate the slugs. This common and rather nondescript sea slug, is now considered our most toxic creature. Goat Island Marine Reseve, Leigh *
