When you play the game ‘what critter is that?’ long enough you eventually start talking Latin. It’s not by choice but most critters that live on the ocean floor are only known by Latin names.

This little guy, Tylodina corticalis, is a primitive notaspid (more Latin) or more commonly a ‘side gilled slug’ (finally some English!).

Languages aside, I was caught unprepared when Andy found this beautiful yellow critter bearing its tiny excuse for a half shell, Ninja Turtle style. I was set up with my wide angle lens and tiny critters were not on my image agenda.

This style of image is called close focus wide angle and unlike common macro images provides great environmental context with the critter just millimetres away from my lens.

Perfect for putting Latin in it’s place or in English, a half shelled side gilled Ninja slug under Edithburgh Jetty.