Dorids
Dorids usually have a smoother body and a visible gill plume towards the rear. Many familiar genera, including Chromodoris, Hypselodoris and Nembrotha, are dorids.
Nudibranchs are shell-less marine molluscs. For divers, the most useful starting point is learning the broad body types before trying to identify individual species.
Where nudibranchs fit
Animal KingdomMolluscsGastropodsSea SlugsNudibranchs
Three groups divers see most often
Aeolids and cerata-bearing sea slugs
Aeolid-style body forms have finger-like structures called cerata on the back. These can help with breathing, digestion and defence.
Other colourful sea slugs
Divers also see other nudibranch-like sea slugs and colourful opisthobranchs. Some are not true nudibranchs, but they are still important macro subjects and are often photographed alongside them.
Simple anatomy clues
Rhinophores
The paired sensory structures on the head. These are often the most important detail to keep sharp in a photograph.
Gill plume
Many dorids have a feathery gill plume towards the rear of the body.
Cerata
Finger-like structures on the back of aeolids and similar sea slugs.
Back to Nudibranchs
Return to the Nudibranchs Academy section to explore anatomy, behaviour, identification, life cycles, food sources and hotspots.
Return to Nudibranchs