The Red Sea paints its masterpieces on a grand scale. We dive along dramatic walls, drift past vast coral gardens, and swim with majestic turtles and enormous Napoleon Wrasse. It’s easy to be captivated by the big picture. But if you only ever look at the grand vista, you risk missing the exquisite, miniature art gallery hidden within it.
Welcome to the world of nudibranchs.
These tiny, vibrant creatures are the “living jewels” of the reef and some of the most exciting marine life you can find in Hurghada. For underwater photographers and truly observant divers, spotting a rare or beautiful nudibranch is as thrilling as an encounter with a dolphin. But finding these masters of the miniature world requires a different approach to diving—a shift in mindset from covering distance to discovering details.
At Scubadore Hurghada, we believe the greatest wonders are often the smallest. Our slow, patient, small-group approach is perfectly suited to the art of the “critter hunt.” So, let us share with you the secret to finding one of the reef’s most beautiful and sought-after treasures.
What Exactly ARE Nudibranchs?
Before you can find them, it helps to know what you’re looking for. Nudibranchs (pronounced NOO-dee-brank) are a type of sea slug, but that’s like calling a peacock a pigeon. Their name means “naked gill,” referring to the flower-like gill plumes that many species have on their backs.
They are shell-less molluscs that come in a spectacular, almost unbelievable, variety of shapes and colours. This vibrant colouring isn’t for show; it’s a warning to predators that they are toxic or taste terrible. They get this toxicity from the food they eat, which often includes sponges and anemones. They are true masters of recycling, turning their food’s defences into their own.
The “Secrets” to Finding Them
Finding a creature that is often smaller than your little finger on a reef that stretches for miles might seem impossible, but it’s a skill you can learn. It’s all about training your eyes and, more importantly, your brain.
Secret #1: Slow… Down… Even More.
This is the single most important secret. Most divers are programmed to swim and see the sights. To find nudibranchs, you must adopt the mindset of an underwater naturalist. Pick a small area of the reef—perhaps just a few square meters—and spend quality time there. Move at a literal snail’s pace. The less ground you cover, the more you will see.
Secret #2: Think Small and Look for Shapes
You need to recalibrate your eyes. Stop looking for fish-sized shapes and start looking for things that are out of place. Scan the reef for tiny specks of colour that don’t quite match their surroundings. Look for unusual shapes, textures, and patterns. It’s a form of underwater meditation, and once your eyes “get tuned in,” you’ll be amazed at what you start to notice.
Secret #3: Find Their Food Source
This is the ultimate pro tip. The best way to find any animal is to find what it eats. Nudibranchs are picky eaters, and each species often feeds on a very specific type of food. The key is to find their dinner plate. Carefully and respectfully scan the surfaces of:
- Colourful Sponges: Many species of the Chromodoris family feast on specific sponges.
- Feathery Hydroids: The delicate, plant-like hydroids are a favourite food source for the beautiful Flabellina family of nudibranchs.
- Tunicates and Bryozoans: Other tiny colonial animals are also on the menu.
If you find a patch of interesting-looking sponges, hover patiently and examine it closely. Chances are, a nudi is nearby.
Secret #4: Bring a Dive Torch
Even on the brightest, sunniest day in Hurghada, a dive torch is an essential tool for any critter hunter. Many parts of the reef are in shadow, and nudibranchs often hide on the undersides of ledges. The focused beam of a torch will make their brilliant colours “pop” against the muted background, revealing what the naked eye might have missed.
A Few Red Sea Stars to Look For
The Red Sea is home to hundreds of nudibranch species. Here are a few famous ones to start your treasure hunt:
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Spanish Dancer Nudibranch
The Spanish Dancer (Hexabranchus sanguineus): The undisputed superstar. This is a giant among nudibranchs, often growing up to 40 cm long. Its brilliant red body is spectacular, but the real show happens when it decides to swim, unfurling its mantle and propelling itself through the water in a mesmerizing, flamenco-like dance.
- The Classic (Chromodoris quadricolor): This is one of the most common and beautiful nudibranchs in the Red Sea. It has a stunning blue body with black lines, a white margin, and vibrant orange gills and rhinophores (its horn-like sensory organs).
- The Geometric Pyjama Slug (Phyllidia gemmata): This striking nudibranch has a firm, bumpy body with a yellow background and beautiful blue-grey ridges outlined in black. It’s a true work of art.
- The Purple People-Eater (Coryphella trikodesma): This beautiful species has a translucent body with purple cerata (the feathery appendages on its back) that are tipped in white. They are often found delicately crawling over hydroids.
The Scubadore Advantage: Your Personal Critter Finders
The best secret weapon for finding nudibranchs is the trained eye of an expert guide. At Scubadore Hurghada, our guides are passionate naturalists who take immense pride in finding these tiny jewels for our guests. Our small-group, slow-diving philosophy is the perfect platform for this kind of rewarding exploration. We have the time and the focus to help you discover the miniature marvels that large, rushed groups will swim past every single time.
On your next dive, take the challenge. Slow down, look closer, and open your eyes to the hidden art gallery of the reef. The world of nudibranchs is waiting to be discovered.
