The sea bunny is a species of sea slug known as Jorunna parva. The majority are less than an inch or just 2.5 centimeters long and can be found from South Africa to the central Pacific.
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Facts about Sea Bunny
The sea bunny has a short lifespan of a few months to a year. But at least it doesn’t have to worry about predators during that time. They are extremely toxic due to the food they eat, which is sponges.
Is it dangerous to be around a sea bunny?
Sea Bunnies are bunny slug species that can be found off the coast of Japan, in the Indian Ocean and in the waters surrounding the Philippines. They have a fur-like coat with dots and are mostly less than an inch or just 2.5 centimeters long. This tiny coat is made of tiny rods or caryophyllidia, which cover its back. The furs are arranged around small knobs, which are sometimes black and give it a speckled appearance.
Sea bunnies are typically yellow in color with black specks and rhinophores. However, some are greenish in color as well. According to McClain, the scientific community is currently debating whether these different color variations represent separate species.
Even though sea bunny slugs are adorable, these cannot be kept as pets. They are not permitted to be kept as pets. Their venomous nature would make them unsuitable companions for your other saltwater reef tank inhabitants. It is best to watch them only in viral videos. If divers encounter sea bunnies, it is better to take pictures and avoid touching them.
Pros and Cons
Once a predator detects some unpleasant experience of eating a sea bunny, it will think twice about trying again. Fortunately, this toxin has potential pharmacological applications. According to scientists, it has the unusual ability to limit the spread of cancer cells in humans. So far, clinical applications have been limited. Scientists are still conducting research to figure out how to use these toxins to create effective drugs that prevent cancer from spreading throughout the body.
Sea bunnies are extremely poisonous, and anyone who consumes them will undoubtedly suffer as a result. Simply put, these creatures exist solely for your enjoyment. They are extremely toxic due to the food they eat, which is sponges. Divers can adore and coo over these adorable and cute creatures, but resist the urge to stroke those rabbit ears.
Sea Bunny body parts
To begin with, the bunny slug’s white fur coat can actually range in color from yellow to orange to even brown. Second, it is unmistakably not fur. Caryophyllidia, which are groups of small rods that cover the back of the nudibranch, are what you’re looking at. These are clustered around small black specks, which give the sea bunny its spotted appearance. The majority of experts believe that these organs have a sensory function.
Their two small ears that give these sea creatures the appearance of bunnies are actually sensory organs known as rhinophores. They aid the sea bunny in detecting chemical scents in the water column, allowing them to locate food and potential mates. These rhinophores are specifically fuzzy in the world of nudibranchs, allowing for more surface area for reception to occur. In fact, despite their small size, sea bunnies are capable of detecting scents over surprisingly long distances. Just like humans, sea bunny hearts pump blood, allowing them to be warm-blooded.
Precaution
Sea bunnies are extremely poisonous, and anyone who consumes them will undoubtedly suffer as a result. Simply put, these creatures exist solely for your enjoyment. Divers can adore and coo over these adorable and cute creatures, but resist the urge to stroke those rabbit ears. Always remember that bunny slugs cannot be kept as pets. They are not permitted to be kept as pets. Their venomous nature would make them unsuitable companions for your other saltwater reef tank inhabitants. It is best to watch them only in viral videos. If divers encounter sea bunnies, it is better to take pictures and avoid touching them.
Conclusion
Sea bunnies are literally adorable and cute. But as what experts told us, we shouldn’t touch them as they release toxins that might harm us. Taking pictures or video when encountering a sea bunny while diving is a must. We shouldn’t just swim around and stare at their cuteness. We should also keep something like a picture that will be a proof or souvenir that reminds us of our interaction with them.
Sources
- https://a-z-animals.com/blog/the-sea-bunny-3-facts-you-wont-believe/#:~:text=The%20sea%20bunny%20is%20a%20type%20of%20sea%20slug%20called,Africa%20to%20the%20central%20Pacific.
- https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/25091/20200323/fun-facts-sea-bunnies.htm
- https://blog.padi.com/5-facts-sea-bunny-slug/#:~:text=That’s%20Not%20A%20Fur%20Coat,to%20orange%20to%20even%20brown