Actaeonidae

/ˌæktiːəˈnɪdi/ noun

Definition

A family of small sea slugs (nudibranches) named after the mythological figure Actaeon, likely because of their colorful transformations or elusive nature.

Etymology

From Actaeon combined with the Latin suffix -idae, used in taxonomy to denote a family of organisms; the name references the mythological transformation theme.

Kelly Says

Marine biologists named these creatures after a mythological shape-shifter because sea slugs are masters of disguise and color-change—they literally transform to match their surroundings, making them one of nature's real metamorphosis artists!

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