🍳 This is not an egg, but a highly toxic animal newly identified

An international team of scientists has identified two new species of sea slugs, named Phyllidia ovata and Phyllidia fontjei. These creatures, belonging to the Phyllidiidae family, stand out for their vibrant patterns and their ability to use toxins from their prey for self-defense.


The North Sulawesi region in Indonesia is a biodiversity hotspot for sea slugs, with around 350 recorded species. Among them, nearly 100 still await official description. The two new species add unique pieces to this biological puzzle.

Phyllidia ovata owes its name to its distinctive oval shape, observed for over two decades by underwater photographers. Its late scientific recognition highlights the importance of public observations in discovering new species.


Phyllidia fontjei pays tribute to Dr. Fontje Kaligis, whose work paved the way for a better understanding of local biodiversity. Despite its small size, this species has been documented through multiple observations.

These discoveries illustrate the crucial role of enthusiasts and social media in biodiversity studies. Contributions from non-scientists, via platforms like iNaturalist, have been key to identifying and locating these species.

How do sea slugs use toxins for self-defense?

Sea slugs, particularly those in the Phyllidiidae family, have developed a unique defense strategy. They feed on marine sponges that contain toxic compounds. These toxins are then stored in their own tissues, making them unappealing to predators.

This chemical defense method is an example of coevolution between predators and their prey. Sea slugs are unaffected by the toxins they ingest, a phenomenon that intrigues scientists.

The ability to accumulate toxins varies among species and their diets. This explains the diversity of colors and patterns in sea slugs, which often serve as warnings to potential predators.

What is the impact of citizen science platforms on species discovery?

Citizen science platforms, such as iNaturalist, play an increasingly important role in discovering and studying new species. They allow amateurs to share their observations with the scientific community, thereby expanding available data.

These tools are particularly useful for rare or hard-to-observe species. Photographs and locations shared by citizens can provide valuable clues about species' geographic distribution and habitats.

The study of sea slugs in Indonesia shows how these contributions can fill gaps in scientific knowledge. Without the involvement of enthusiasts, many species might remain unknown or poorly understood.