Word on the Reef
Diving into marine science adventures on the Great Barrier Reef and beyond!
Word on the Reef
S3 E9: Meet Gary, the King of Nudibranchs (AKA the Ocean’s Craziest Sea Slugs)
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He's broken several world records: largest group skydive, longest scuba dive on a single tank—and the most species of nudibranchs ever found on a single dive (71).
He's spent 23 years chasing these tiny creatures, building a global following of more than 60,000 people who are equally obsessed.
But what even is a nudibranch—and why are thousands of people going nuts over them?
Well, they dress like drag queens, some of them can fire miniature deadly spears out of their flubbery bits, and some can even walk on water like Jesus — but upside down, and with only one foot.
In this fun and outlandish interview with the world's biggest nudie fanatic, we get up close and personal with these outrageously beautiful, neon-coloured ocean jewels found in every corner of our seas.
Listeners be warned: nudibranchs can be surprisingly addictive.
(I mean, JUST LOOK at the nudibranch in the thumbnail image. Does he look like he's the slightest bit bothered by ANYTHING or ANYONE? Go off, you fabulous creature!)
More info:
- Gary's Website, Gallery and Blog: www.nudibranch.com.au
- Gary's Facebook Page: Nudibranch Central
- 'My Nudibranch Passion': Short film about Gary showing his dive site at the Mooloolah River and many of the nudibranchs discussed in this episode.
- "Dive Into the Exotic World of Nudibranchs, the Spectacular Slugs of the Sea" - article about Gary in Smithsonian Magazine.
Cyclone Maila News Audio: Australian Broadcasting Association.
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