The new species of sea slug, Pleurobranchaea britannica was identified by a research ship, an article in the journal Zoosystematics and Evolution explains.
Although there are around 100 different species of sea slugs found in UK waters, this new species belongs to a group of sea slugs – Pleurobranchaea – usually found in warmer waters: from Spain to Senegal and the Mediterranean Sea.
Scientists now believe this group of sea slugs may be migrating north due to rising ocean temperatures, raising concerns over the impact of climate change on marine life.
Sea slugs are highly sensitive to environmental changes, making them valuable indicators of ecosystem health and the impacts of both rising water temperatures and human activity on marine life for scientists.
"the distinct species have feathery gills and rhinophores with dark spots on the front and white spots on the back"
These shell-less marine molluscs are celebrated for their astonishing diversity and beauty. Despite their small size, typically reaching only 2 to 5cm in length, they hold a prominent role as both apex predators and prey within the marine food web.
To defend against predators, several species of sea slugs have evolved to specialise in reusing parts of their prey. For example, they may absorb toxins from specific prey and then secrete the poison into their skin as a defence mechanism.
Discovered by Ross Bullimore of the Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), the distinct species have feathery gills and rhinophores with dark spots on the front and white spots on the back. Rhinophores are found on the heads of sea slugs and act as scent receptors, most likened to ears or horns.
"Although UK waters are among the most extensively researched in the world, this new species shows there is still much more to uncover about marine life."
Despite concerns over disruptions in food chains and fish stocks due to migrating species searching for cooler waters, this remarkable discovery brings hope to the science community. Although UK waters are among the most extensively researched in the world, this new species shows there is still much more to uncover about marine life.
CEFAS is a world-leading researcher of marine science and technology. They specialise in “tackling the serious global problems of climate change, biodiversity loss and food security to secure a sustainable blue future for all”.
