Weird creatures from inner space

The results of the Our World Underwater International Photo Contest 2012 were made publich in Chicago this weekend, and among the images getting honourable mentions were a rare nudibranch from Norway

Research involving a mollusk known as a California sea hare has contributed to the understanding of learning and memory.

California marine scientist in Santa Barbara says the new species of sea slug he discovered was practically in his marine "back yard."

The 2012 Nudibranch Safari at Gulen Dive Resort was a phenomenal success. A staggering 49 species of nudibranchs and seven other ophistobranchs were identified during the weekend—on one divespot.

Most divers have seen them. Weird-looking crawling creatures with odd shapes, antennae and amorphous bodies and draped in pychedelic colours. We are not talking about aliens from outer space but nudibranchs. But why do they have to look so weird?

Nudibranchs are hermaphroditic, and thus have a set of reproductive organs for both sexes, but they can rarely fertilize themselves.