Doto varaderoensis

Image: Linda Ianniello

I'm sure this sea slug is meant to avoid predators by using camouflage...

But I can't help but think that it avoids predators by looking contagious.

Image: Linda Ianniello

D. varaderoensis is a nudibranch from various parts of the Caribbean.

It only reaches 1 cm (0.4 in) long, so it can't rely on physical prowess to defend itself. Not much for hand to hand combat is our little nudibranch. Especially since it doesn't have any hands.

Image: Linda Ianniello

And so it goes for camouflage, instead. Now it looks exactly like the victim of a terrible, gut-bursting, flesh-curdling disease!

It also looks a bit like the hydroids it eats. That works too, I suppose.