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snails and sea-slugs: molluscs


Sagaminopteron ornatum

Sagaminopteron ornatum. The 'bat-wing' bubble-shells have evolved great flaps on each side of their body which they can use for swimming. When disturbed they vigorously flap these 'wings' and can swim for up to 15 minutes, enabling them to escape from predators. This brilliantly coloured species is common in tropical Pacific waters. Its rather long scientific name is derived from Sagami Bay in Japan, where it was first found (10mm).

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