As you already know, there are a lot of different types of Nudibranchs here in Lembeh, and we mean a lot! But some species are more requested and sought after than others, for example the Ghost nudibranch (Melibe colemani) or the Solar-Powered nudibranchs (Phyllodesmium). Another example of a bucket-list-slug, is the Bornella anguilla which we are going to be taking a closer look at in this blog post.
The Bornella anguilla belongs to the family Bornellidae, and are widely distributed throughout the Indo-West Pacific waters. They can reach a size up to 8cm and their main source of food comes from hydroids. This means looking for hydroids can be a good place to start finding these beautiful nudibranchs! If you get a chance to photograph them, be careful with how close you get with your camera as hydroids are well known for their stinging power, and can cause almost burn like rashes to the skin. The Bornella anguilla are easily recognisable due to their distinct mosaic like pattern all over their body. This mosaic patterns blends orange, brown, white and black and as you can see in the photo below, there’s nothing else quite like it!
The Bornella anguilla gets its name from the way it swims underwater. Yes that’s right, some nudibranchs do swim! Anguilla means eel and it is named this because of the muscular wave that travels down the slugs body, creating motions that are similar to the way an eel moves. This is a very efficient way for the nudibranch to move, either because of it wanting to simply relocate or perhaps to get away from lurking predators.
All nudibranchs have eyes, but on the Bornella anguilla these are very pronouced and easy to spot compared to a lot of other species. Their eyesight isn’t thought to be very good, but enough for them to be able to see light and dark, and therefor be able to tell if a shadow is passing over them for example, This might be useful if the shadow is made by a potential predator. They also have developed their rhinophores in a slightly different way than some other nudibranchs. Rhinophores are a sensory organ, which picks up “smells” underwater. This is why they protrude at the front of the nudibranchs head and are quite large in relation to their body, as a bigger surface area means they can pick up on more chemical signals in the water. On most nudibranchs these rhinophores can retract into the skin, because these organs are quite worm-like they tend to be nibbled by fish a lot. The Bornella anguilla has instead evolved so the rhinophores grows along side the front cerata (the elongated tentacle like structure coming off the body) to protect these valuable scent receptors.
We are lucky enough to see these nudibranchs every so often in the Lembeh Strait. Hopefully you’ve learned a bit more about them and you might be able to spot one for yourself the next time you come stay with us.
Why Dive with NAD-Lembeh Resort?
LOCATION
NAD-Lembeh Resort is a small, owner-operated, photography-oriented dive resort in the Lembeh Strait. We are situated in a private bay on Lembeh Island, away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. We guarantee a 2:1 guest to guide ratio as standard, which makes for a private dive experience and lots of time to take pictures.
ROOMS & BUNGALOWS
All our rooms (10 Beachfront Rooms, 5 Seaview Bungalows) offer ocean view, air conditioning, hot water, wifi, including full board. Our resort has only few steps, which makes our layout extremely convenient to get from your room to the restaurant, camera room, bar and floating jetty.
DIVE CENTER
Our dive team consists of 15 full-time guides, with over 100 years of combined experience! Air as well as Nitrox and various cylinder sizes (both DIN and Yoke are available onsite).
BOATS & FLOATING JETTY
NAD-Lembeh has 4 large, purpose-built dive boats. Each at around 15m long, they offer lots of space and comfort for the divers. Boats feature onboard toilets, towels, drinks and snacks and first aid/ oxygen.
Our jetty allows our guests dignified and quick boat entries – all our dive boats can be moored simultaneously, so there is no wading through the shallows to get on the boat for the dive!
PHOTO CENTER
Our focus at NAD is to take your underwater photography to the next level. We offer 1:1 photo classes and our guides are all proficient with photography, using our rental equipment for fun dives when not diving with guests.
We shoot video up to 8K, along with Nikon/ Canon SLR and mirrorless setups. This gives us a rounded knowledge of all cameras. We are also the go-to location for natural history filming in the Straits.
CAMERA ROOM
Our newly renovated, huge camera room offers one work space for each and every guest. The spacious, individual benches with lots of power points were purposely built for underwater photographers. NAD’s dedicated camera room is also the perfect place to work on and edit your pictures.
Several rental cameras and strobes are available onsite. We have basic tools and spare parts in our gift shop in case of minor camera problems as well as a drying cabinet, and computer for you to work on and edit your photos.
