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What is Sea bunny?
A sea bunny is the common name for Jorunna parva, a small nudibranch sea slug found in tropical reefs that looks like a tiny furry rabbit.
It’s tiny, fluffy-looking, and has ears like a bunny — but this isn’t a land animal. Meet the Sea Bunny, a nickname for Jorunna parva, a species of sea slug that looks so cute it’s gone viral on the internet.
With its soft white “fur,” little ear-like structures, and the way it gently glides across coral reefs, the Sea Bunny has captured the hearts of divers and marine photographers around the world — and yes, you might just find one in Thailand’s Andaman Sea.
🔬 What Exactly Is a Sea Bunny?
The Sea Bunny is not actually a rabbit, but a species of nudibranch — a soft-bodied, shell-less marine gastropod mollusk.
- Scientific Name: Jorunna parva
- Common Name: Sea Bunny
- Size: 1–2 cm
- Color: Usually white or pale yellow with tiny black specks
- Habitat: Coral reefs with plenty of sponges (their primary food)
The “ears” you see are actually rhinophores, chemical-sensing organs that detect food and danger. The fuzzy “fur” is actually bundles of sensory papillae, helping it understand its environment.
🧠 Tiny but Mighty in the Ecosystem
Though it’s adorable, the Sea Bunny is a predator — it feeds on specific types of sea sponges. Some of these sponges contain toxins, which the sea bunny can store in its own body for defense.
Role in the ecosystem:
- Helps regulate sponge populations
- Serves as prey for larger marine creatures
- Indicates biodiversity and reef health
🌊 Where Can You Find Sea Bunnies in Thailand?
Sea Bunnies are considered rare, but experienced macro divers often spot them in the Andaman Sea.
Top locations where sightings have occurred:
- 🐠 Similan Islands: One of Thailand’s best macro dive sites
- 🐠 Surin Islands: Coral-rich areas ideal for sea slug hunting
- 🐠 Phi Phi + Bamboo Islands: Shallow reef zones, especially around soft corals
📸 How to Photograph a Sea Bunny
Despite their popularity, Sea Bunnies are tiny and fragile, making photography both a challenge and a joy.
Photography Tips:
- Use a macro lens (60mm or higher) or smartphone lens attachments
- Dive early morning or during overcast light for softer tones
- Avoid harsh strobes — use diffused lighting
- Be patient — they move slowly but unpredictably
- Never touch or disturb them
❓ Are Sea Bunnies Dangerous?
Not at all.
Sea Bunnies are harmless to humans. They don’t sting, bite, or cause allergic reactions. However, their soft bodies are extremely sensitive, so divers should always keep a respectful distance.
🧭 Join a Tour That Takes You to Sea Bunny Hotspots
If spotting one of these underwater cuties is on your bucket list, you’ll need to head out with experts who know where to look.
📌 Recommended Tours by Love Andaman:
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