The “sea bunny” has captivated public attention with its endearing appearance. This animal, a social media sensation, looks strikingly like a small, fluffy rabbit. Its unique shape and texture draw curiosity about its nature and habits.
Understanding the Sea Bunny
Despite its popular nickname, the sea bunny is not a mammal but a type of sea slug, specifically a nudibranch. Its scientific name is Jorunna parva. Nudibranchs are diverse soft-bodied marine gastropod mollusks, related to snails but lacking a shell in adulthood. The term “nudibranch” translates to “naked gills,” referring to their exposed respiratory structures. Over 3,000 species of nudibranchs are known, often recognized for their vibrant colors and unique forms.
Appearance and Where They Live
The sea bunny’s distinctive “bunny” features are specialized sensory and respiratory organs. The two ear-like structures on its head are chemosensory rhinophores, which help it detect chemicals in the water to find food and mates. These rhinophores are fuzzy, increasing their surface area for scent reception. The fluffy “tail” at its rear is a cluster of external gills, known as a branchial plume, used for respiration.
This tiny creature measures less than an inch (about 2.5 cm) in length. While often depicted as white with black spots, sea bunnies can also appear in yellow, orange, or brown. Their body is covered in small rod-like structures called caryophyllidia that give them a furry texture. Sea bunnies are found in coastal waters across the Indo-Pacific region, including off the coasts of Japan, the Philippines, and Australia. They prefer environments like coral reefs and rocky seafloors where food is abundant.
How Sea Bunnies Survive
Sea bunnies are carnivores, primarily feeding on sponges. They specialize in consuming specific types of toxic sponges, extracting nutrients. Rather than being harmed, the sea bunny absorbs and stores these toxins within its body, using them as a defense mechanism against predators. This accumulation makes the sea bunny unpalatable to most threats.
Movement involves slow crawling along the seafloor. Their short lifespan, ranging from a few months to a year, means they must locate mates and reproduce efficiently. Sea bunnies are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, and engage in reciprocal sperm transfer during mating. This strategy allows them to navigate their marine environment.