Chromodoris Nudibranch

Photo: Jean-Paul Cassez · CC BY-NC

Brilliantly patterned chromodorid nudibranchs graze sponge colonies across the entire wreck surface, their vivid colouration advertising chemical unpalatability to predators. Several species co-occur on the same substrate, each targeting specific sponge taxa, making the boatyard wreck a textbook study in niche partitioning among opisthobranch molluscs. Egg ribbons attached to the hull confirm successful reproduction within the wreck habitat.