Nudibranch
A nudibranch is a soft-bodied marine mollusc, often brightly coloured, commonly known as a sea slug.
Also known as: sea slug, dorid nudibranch
How big is it?
10 cm · defined body length
Also 3.937 in
Defined body length · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 5 cm to 15 cm.
A little perspective
Nudibranch vs Mantis shrimp: length comparison
The body length of a nudibranch is approximately equal to the body length of a mantis shrimp.
A nudibranch is a soft-bodied marine mollusc, often brightly coloured, commonly known as a sea slug.
A mantis shrimp is a marine crustacean that hunts using specialised limbs to strike or spear prey.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Nudibranch
Defined body length: 10 cm; defined specimen; range 5 cm–15 cm.
A defined 10 cm dorid nudibranch specimen. Species range from millimetres to many centimetres; rhinophores and gill plume are included in the illustration but not the nose-to-tail calibration.
Smithsonian Ocean — Nudibranchs
The marked defined body length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Mantis shrimp
Defined body length: 10 cm; defined specimen; range 6 cm–18 cm.
A defined 10 cm peacock mantis shrimp specimen measured from rostrum to tail fan. Species range from a few centimetres to much larger forms; antennae are excluded.
Smithsonian Ocean — Mantis shrimp
The marked defined body length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 10 cm
We compare the body length of a nudibranch. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same. The recorded range is 5 cm to 15 cm.
A defined 10 cm dorid nudibranch specimen. Species range from millimetres to many centimetres; rhinophores and gill plume are included in the illustration but not the nose-to-tail calibration.
The marked horizontal span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 cm | 5 cm to 15 cm | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueLiving thingsMouse9 cmBody lengthA mouse is a small rodent with a pointed snout and a long, thin tail.
Around the same scaleLiving thingsMantis shrimp10 cmDefined body lengthA mantis shrimp is a marine crustacean that hunts using specialised limbs to strike or spear prey.
Nearest higher valueLiving thingsEarthworm12 cmBody lengthAn earthworm is a segmented invertebrate that lives in soil and aids in decomposing organic material.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- Smithsonian Ocean — NudibranchsNudibranch anatomy, diversity and broad body-size variation.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Living thingsSea angel2 cmA sea angel is a small, transparent swimming sea slug with wing-like appendages, found in cold ocean waters.
Living thingsSea butterfly5 mmA sea butterfly is a small marine snail that swims using wing-like extensions and has a delicate coiled shell.Living thingsMantis shrimp10 cmA mantis shrimp is a marine crustacean that hunts using specialised limbs to strike or spear prey.
Everyday thingsPomegranate10 cmA pomegranate is a round fruit from the Punica granatum tree, containing many edible seeds surrounded by juicy pulp.
SportShuttlecock8.5 cmA shuttlecock is a feathered projectile used in badminton, designed to be struck by rackets.
PeopleHuman heart12 cmA human heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood through the circulatory system.
Living thingsAbalone10 cmAn abalone is a marine mollusc with a flattened, ear-shaped shell, belonging to the genus Haliotis.
Everyday thingsPear11 cmA pear is a sweet, edible fruit produced by trees of the genus Pyrus, commonly eaten fresh or used in cooking and baking.