Other than their adorable appearance, these mollusks lack shells and are usually no longer than one inch. Sea slugs of the order nudibranchia are full of vibrant color (see the sea goddess), and the sea bunny’s “fur coat” is no exception. Ranging in warm colors from orange to brown and even white, it is actually a collection of rods attached to the slug’s back called caryophydillia. Similarly, what appear to be its ears are organs called rhinophones, and what looks like a bunny tail on its behind are really its gills. All of these articles help the bunnies to sense the world around them, with their rhinophones particularly helping to detect chemical smells in the water and find food or mates. The perceived fuzziness actually helps, as it gives more surface area to sense around them.

As members of the order nudibranchia, these slugs possess both sets of reproductive organs. After detecting a mate with their cute little bunny ears, they will mate by exchanging sperm and both parties will have their eggs fertilized. After laying them, the eggs will hatch after 2-3 weeks. The larvae actually start their lives with a shell, but they will shed it during their metamorphosis when they mature. Sadly, their lifespans are often no longer than a year, and can even be as short as a few months.

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small.”

Psalms 104:24-25 (NIV)

There is no official verdict on the sea bunny’s conservation status. Even still, it is important to consider their place in this world and our ability to secure these adorable creatures’ future. As seen in our Scripture Spotlight today, God created all creatures, great and small, in His own wise and perfect design. So it’s our duty to keep them safe and protected. With that being said, what can you do?

As is the case with every creature who inhabits our beautiful oceans, pollution and overfishing may sadly be the sea bunny’s biggest threats. If you live near the Pacific Ocean, you can do your part for sea bunnies by recycling, taking care of your waste in responsible ways (visit Recycle Across America for more info). Additionally, picking up litter you see on beaches or bays could prevent toxic chemicals entering waters that sea bunnies inhabit.

When fishing in the ocean (or anywhere!), practice safe and clean fishing habits. Be sure to return fish to where you found them, and quick enough that they don’t run out of air — don’t hold them any longer than you can hold your own breath! And don’t forget to take any hooks or other fishing apparatus out of their mouths/bodies before returning them. That way, we aren’t interfering with the ecosystem in which sea bunnies live, which means they can continue to live in the perfect environment God made for them.

It's important to remember why we conserve animals. While we rule over every living creature (Genesis 1:28), we are also called to care for God’s perfect creation and keep it fruitful so that future generations can enjoy it as we do. So, while not made in the image of God like we are, animals are still made by Him and we are disrespecting His handiwork if we are not protecting them.