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1. Why Take This Speciality Course?
Learn to spot the ocean’s secret jewels. True stars of underwater macro photography, nudibranchs captivate with their extravagant shapes and vibrant colors. The SSI Nudibranch Ecology specialty reveals the secrets of these shell-less mollusks: their hunting techniques, highly specific diet, and incredible defense mechanisms (toxic secretions, recycling poisonous cells from their prey). By learning to observe their habitat and host plants/sponges, you will develop an expert eye for spotting the rarest species during your dives.
- Identification & Morphology: Learn to recognize the main families (Dorids, Aeolids) and their anatomy (rhinophores, branchial plumes).
- Diet & Defense: Understand how they absorb venom from hydroids or toxicity from sponges to protect themselves from predators.
- Reproduction & Behavior: Discover their hermaphroditic reproduction methods and unique mating rituals.
- Open to Everyone: Academic course accessible to scuba divers, freedivers, and snorkelers.
2. Course Curriculum (1 day in ocean or theory only)
The course combines interactive online learning on the MySSI app and a topic presentation at the center with your instructor (with an optional practical application during your ocean dives).
🔹 Key Topics Covered:
- Introduction to Nudibranchs & Opisthobranchs: Classification, evolution, and diversity of sea slugs in the Indian Ocean.
- Reef Searching Techniques: How to spot nudibranchs by observing their food sources (sponges, ascidians, hydroids).
- Focus on Koh Lanta Species: Identification of emblematic Andaman Sea species (Phyllidia, Chromodoris, Flabellina).
3. Prerequisites
No diving prerequisites required (also accessible to non-divers, freedivers, and snorkelers).
- Minimum Age: 10 years old for divers and 6 years old for non-divers.
4. Your International Certification
At the end of the course, you will earn your SSI Marine Nudibranch Ecology Specialty Certification.
- Recognized worldwide.
- Counts toward your Master Scuba Diver rating and can count as one of the 5 adventure dives for your SSI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (when combined with ocean dives).
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to scuba dive or snorkel for this specialty?
No, it is not mandatory! The Nudibranch ecology specialty can be completed entirely as a 100% dry course.
If you are a non-diver or prefer to stay out of the water, you can earn your certification by completing the interactive classroom or online sessions.
However, if you are a diver or snorkeler, adding in-water sessions is highly recommended: it’s the perfect opportunity to apply your new knowledge on the reef and practice identifying nudibranchs in their natural habitat!
Is this course suitable if I enjoy macro photography?
Definitely! Nudibranchs are the ultimate subject for macro photography. This course will teach you where to search for them and how to approach without disturbing their environment.
When is the best time to see nudibranchs in Koh Lanta?
They can be found throughout the season (October to May), especially on the rocky walls of Koh Haa and the sheltered reefs of Koh Bida.
