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Nudibranchs and Clown Shrimp |
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Costa Rica is famous for its big fish. But although manta rays, bull sharks, and whales are certainly impressive, you shouldn’t forget about the little guys. If you swim slowly across the Pacific reefs you will have great encounters with nudibranchs.
 Clown Shrimp They may have been called ‘slimy little ugly things’ but times have changed and divers these days really appreciate sightings of these felly-bodied snails. Nudibranchs are among the most eccentrically-patterned and oddly-shaped creatures in the animal kingdom and their name literally means ‘naked gill’. Some kinds of nudibranchs have a tuft of tentacles on their backs called cerate which are used for respiration and even self defense.
Although more than three thousand different types have been recognized, the study of sea slugs is still in its infancy and there are an overwhelming number of unidentified nudibranchs. Some are brilliantly colored while others are subtly colored to camouflage themselves. They are most abundant in warm, shadow waters and can be found crawling over rocks, seaweeds, sponges, and corals. Next time you go diving look for these original little creatures that measure from 2 to 5 cm in length. Colorful, slow and exotic, they are perfect for photographers. They can however be hard to spot so ask your dive master and he can help you find them.
Another creature that makes its home in Costa Rica waters is the harlequin or clown shrimp. Fully-grown they measure 2.5 to 4 cm and they are quite to whitish-pink in color with splashes of purple, pink, red or brown. Here in the Pacific you will see them quite often munching on a starfish or sea urchin that is many times larger than itself. Harlequin shrimp are often found in pairs that mate for life. They prefer moderate lighting and rocky substrates, and tend to be very shy. This makes the ocean here on the northwest coast the perfect home for these creatures.
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Ecotourism and Nature 
