Nudibranch Nerd: sea slugs and tide pools
Marine biologist Madi explores Pacific Northwest tide pools, from jewel-bright nudibranchs to octopuses, and teaches good tide pool manners.
What it is
@nudibranch_nerd is the TikTok account of Madi (Madison McKay), a marine biologist based in Washington state. A nudibranch is the scientific name for a sea slug, and they're her favorite animal. The account has about 1.1 million followers, nearly 36 million likes and more than 900 videos.
Why we picked it
In an interview with Bellingham Alive, Madi explained how it started. A dead giant Pacific octopus washed up on the beach where she was working, she made a TikTok about it, and it got millions of views. She changed her username to Nudibranch Nerd and kept going with marine biology content.
Tide pools are the heart of the account. Madi shows who lives there and explains tide pool etiquette, including how to look at animals without harming them. In her videos, sea slugs look like jewelry: vivid colors, wild patterns and endless species, many of them living right along the Washington coast. She says finding one feels like finding treasure, and her excitement is contagious.
Where to start
- Watch any nudibranch video first. The account is named after them for a reason.
- Find her tide pool etiquette videos before your next beach trip.
- If you're a student, look for her tips on becoming a marine biologist.
- For more photos, check her Instagram, listed in her TikTok bio.
Who it's for
Ocean lovers and fans of strange animals. Kids and parents looking for a feed that's both safe and fascinating. Biology students. And anyone who has peered into a rock pool and wondered what exactly they were looking at.
Quick answers
Who runs the account? Madi, a marine biologist based in Washington state.
What is a nudibranch? A sea slug. There are thousands of species, many of them brightly colored.
Does she give career advice? Yes, she has videos on how to become a marine biologist.
