June Bubble Painting

The original painting for the June edition of the Bubble Post. 

This painting is inspired by the most vibrant Sea Slugs.

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These marine shell-less mollusks are called, nudibranch, pronounced, 

“nu-di-brank” (the “h” is silent). Their common name is Sea Slugs! 

The name “nudibranch” translates as “naked gills”, referring to the lack of shell to protect the gills. They start out life with a shell like all other molluscs, but they later lose it as they grow. The two horn-like structures on a nudibranch’s head are called rhinophores. They’re specialized sensory organs that detect chemical signals in the water and help sea slugs locate food, find mates, and navigate their environment.. 

The nudibranch is hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. When they find a mate, they will exchange male gametes to fertilize the eggs of both parties, doubling the chances of successful egg laying and hatching. They lay bright spiral or ribbon-like egg patterns on rocks or algae in reefs.

Many nudibranchs sport neon blues, yellows, oranges, and high-contrast patterns often serve the purpose of a warning coloration. In nature, bright colors can signal “don’t eat me”—because the animal is toxic, irritating, or simply a bad meal. 

When a sea slug eats, it digests and takes on the pigments from its meal, giving it the color of the species on its menu. They have powerful jaws and a set of curved teeth, called a radula used to devour prey, such as sea anemones. Certain sea slugs have a bodily coating that renders them impervious to toxic attacks from prey. Instead of digesting nematocysts (the venomous stinging cell organelles produced by cnidarians such as jellyfish), the slug steals them for itself. These acquired cell organelles are then recycled into the flamboyant, tentacle-like cerata on their backs. If this sea slug ever finds itself in danger, it will use these new stinging/venomous nematocysts. as its defense. In this same way, other types of nudibranch will absorb chloroplast cells which allow photosynthesis from algae. They can provide photosynthetic energy to the slug for  months becoming “solar-powered.”

Over 3,000 species of Sea Slugs live all over the world. You can find them in tidepools along the coast in tropical waters and even in the depths of our oceans Some are smooth and sleek while others look armored, spiky, or patterned like modern art. Stand out like the brightest nudibranch, and don't be afraid to show the world your true self!

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12 in. x 8 in.

Frame not included. 

Only 1 Available.

Painting shipped through USPS.