However, rest assured that this whimsical-looking being is indeed real and was recently sighted by a sharp-eyed rock pooler in South Cornwall.
According to Daily Mail, underneath a seaweed-covered, weighty rock, Vicky Barlow, a dedicated volunteer with The Rock Pool Project, made an extraordinary discovery.
As she carefully placed the Rainbow Sea Slug into a container for closer observation, the stunning creature unfolded, showcasing its vibrant hues in all their glory. Vicky marveled as the exquisite creature unfolded and showcased its vibrant colors after being gently placed in a container for observation.
This sighting holds significant significance, as it represents just the fourth recorded instance of encountering this rare species in the United Kingdom.
By sheer coincidence, Ms. Barlow stumbled upon the Rainbow Sea Slug in a rock pool in Falmouth. Prior to this extraordinary find, she had already encountered notable marine species in the area, including a sizable Edible Crab, a Green Sea Urchin, and numerous Cushion Stars.
The Rainbow Sea Slug, also known as Babakina anhedonia, lives up to its name with its vibrant and striking colors.
Although it is typically found along the coast of Spain, Portugal, and France, its appearance in UK waters has been exceptionally rare, with only three previous documented sightings.
Ms. Barlow stated that "The initial sighting occurred in August 2022, and there have been a few additional sightings by divers and snorkelers. However, to our knowledge, this is the first instance of this species being discovered by a rock pooler in the UK!"
She further described the mesmerizing experience, saying, "All of us were captivated as we observed the creature gracefully maneuvering within the pot."
After documenting the stunning creature through a series of photographs and videos, the team carefully returned it to its natural habitat within the rock pool.
Watching the video below:
