A rare underwater snail has been found on the coast of Cornwall in the United Kingdom. The animal is also called ‘rainbow sea snail’ because of its bright colors. It is the first time in the region that the unique, wonderful animal has been found.
The rainbow sea snail, or Babakina anadoni, belongs to the aeolide slug family. This species is characterized by bright colors. “Only a few sightings have been recorded by divers and snorkelers. It is the first time such an animal has been found off the coast of the United Kingdom,” says biologist Ben Holt of Rock Pool Project. The animal usually lives in a warmer environment off the west coast of Spain, Portugal and France.
Many brightly colored underwater snails do not have a shell to protect themselves from enemies. These snails are often poisonous. The bright colors serve to warn their enemies about this. “We have beautiful underwater animals. We have to take care of nature so that we don’t lose these rare animals,” said Holt.
Vicky Barlow found the animal while snorkeling. “I suddenly saw something very colorful sitting on a fairly large, heavy rock,” says Barlow. “I tried to lift the rock and saw the rainbow sea snail. It’s a beautiful animal,” he said. Barlow was able to capture the colorful animal on camera.
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