Jason Mirabilis Nudibranch

Jason mirabilis

Jason mirabilis, commonly known as Jason's nudibranch, is a large and strikingly beautiful aeolid nudibranch endemic to New Zealand. Adults reach 5-10 cm and display an elongated body covered with numerous long, flowing cerata (finger-like appendages) that can be orange, brown, purple, or red with white tips, giving the animal a dramatic flowing appearance. The body is translucent white to pale orange. They inhabit rocky reefs and kelp forests at depths of 5-30 meters, feeding on hydroids and other cnidarians. Like other aeolid nudibranchs, they can sequester stinging nematocysts from their prey and store them in the tips of their cerata for defense. They were first described by M.C. Miller in 1974. Their large size, dramatic flowing cerata, and New Zealand endemism make them one of the most prized nudibranch sightings for underwater photographers visiting NZ waters, particularly around the Poor Knights Islands.