The Animal Kingdom’s 8 Most Impressive Dancers (5 of 5)

The Incredible Propelling Sea Slug

While the vibrantly colored Spanish Shawl might look like a delectable piece of purple and orange candy to predators, it’s really not worth the pain to eat it. See, when this sea slug found along the Pacific coast of North America feasts on flower-like creatures called hydroids, it is able to store their undischarged stingers on its back. This serves as a warning to hungry fish not to mess with it, but when they decide to take their chances anyway, the slug propels itself to safety by flexing its body into a U-shape and rapidly thrashing itself around in a rhythmic fashion. It’s the kind of swimming performance worthy of Olympic gold.