Today we’re spotlighting an underappreciated group of marine creatures: sea slugs. Don’t let their humble name fool you. They come in vivid neon colors, with patterns that rival the most beautiful butterflies and feather-like external gills and tentacles.

There are an estimated 10,000 species of sea slugs and they are incredibly diverse. Some are smaller than a quarter. And one species can weigh more than a terrier, up to 30 pounds. Not to mention their contributions to brain research—understanding their neural networks was the basis for a Nobel Prize in 2000.

Marine biologist Patrick Krug joins Host Ira Flatow to dive into the slimy science of sea slugs.

Guest: Dr. Patrick Krug is a sea slug researcher and professor of biological sciences at Cal State LA.

Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com.

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