Jorunna parva
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
3-20 meters
The sea bunny nudibranch is one of the most adorable animals in the ocean — a tiny, fluffy-looking sea slug that went viral on the internet thanks to its uncanny resemblance to a tiny white bunny rabbit. At barely 2 centimetres in length, this minuscule nudibranch has a rounded, fuzzy body covered in tiny rod-shaped structures called caryophyllidia that give it a soft, velvety appearance. Two dark-tipped rhinophores on its head look remarkably like rabbit ears, and a small tail-like gill plume at the rear completes the bunny illusion. In Komodo, sea bunny nudibranchs are rare but exciting finds at macro-rich dive sites, typically found crawling on sponge-covered rubble and reef surfaces at shallow to moderate depths. Their white to cream colouration with darker tips on the rhinophores makes them stand out once spotted, though their minuscule size means finding one without a guide is extremely unlikely. Despite their cute appearance, like many nudibranchs, they sequester toxic compounds from the sponges they eat, making them unpalatable to predators. A sea bunny sighting invariably generates enthusiastic reactions from divers and is guaranteed to be the most shared photograph from any dive trip.
Average Size
1-1.5cm
Size Range
0.5-2cm
Maximum Size
2cm
Feeds on specific sponge species, using its radula to rasp sponge tissue. Sequesters toxic compounds from its sponge diet for chemical defence.
The sea bunny nudibranch is one of the most adorable animals in the ocean — a tiny, fluffy-looking sea slug that went viral on the internet thanks to its uncanny resemblance to a tiny white bunny rabbit. At barely 2 centimetres in length, this minuscule nudibranch has a rounded, fuzzy body covered in tiny rod-shaped structures called caryophyllidia that give it a soft, velvety appearance. Two dark-tipped rhinophores on its head look remarkably like rabbit ears, and a small tail-like gill plume at the rear completes the bunny illusion. In Komodo, sea bunny nudibranchs are rare but exciting finds at macro-rich dive sites, typically found crawling on sponge-covered rubble and reef surfaces at shallow to moderate depths. Their white to cream colouration with darker tips on the rhinophores makes them stand out once spotted, though their minuscule size means finding one without a guide is extremely unlikely. Despite their cute appearance, like many nudibranchs, they sequester toxic compounds from the sponges they eat, making them unpalatable to predators. A sea bunny sighting invariably generates enthusiastic reactions from divers and is guaranteed to be the most shared photograph from any dive trip.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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They are rare finds at sponge-rich macro sites. Cannibal Rock, Nusa Kode, and Torpedo Alley are the most likely locations. Their tiny size means you absolutely need an experienced guide with sharp eyes to find one.
