Beautiful rare animal found underwater in the south of England for first time

The incredibly rare rainbow sea slug, typically found in Mediterranean waters, was spotted by a family during a rockpooling expedition in Devon earlier this year. Felix Lever and his father were lucky enough to encounter a rainbow nudibranch (sea slug).

Local marine biologist and underwater photographer Dr Paul Naylor said: “What a beauty! The sea slug was recognised as something very special and unusual by nudibranch expert Felix.” The rainbow sea slug is a type of Aeolid nudibranch, part of a family of very brightly coloured sea slugs. 

Coral Smith, Devon Wildlife Trust’s Marine Engagement Officer, explained: “This must be the most brightly coloured, beautiful sea slug (or sea creature for that matter) I have ever seen!

“The discovery of the rainbow sea slug here in Devon is a strong indicator that our seas are warming due to climate change.  Because it can now survive here means that other creatures adapted to colder water will be struggling.”

According to the Wildlife Trusts, other rare creatures that can be found underwater in the UK include the mauve stinger jellyfish and the orange-clubbed sea slug.

The orange-clubbed sea slug is “a small colourful sea slug that can be found grazing on sea mats on the rocky shore. They are hermaphrodites – meaning they are both male and female and lay thousands of eggs in a long spiral on seaweed.”