Intertidal Invertebrates of the Monterey Bay Area, California

Compiled & photographed by Gary McDonald, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz

Description: Ground color translucent greyish-white to yellowish-white. In individuals from the northern part of range, the dorsum bears numerous small, randomly distributed, white tubercles (some of which may bear a small orange-red dot apically) medially; while individuals from the southern part of range bear a median row of larger tubercles which are tipped with red-orange (both forms have been found in Monterey Bay). Occasional individuals may have irregular orange-red blotches on dorsum. Margin of dorsum bears numerous elongate, rather clavate processes which are tipped with orange-red. Rhinophores with red-orange clavus and 9-14 lamellae. Branchial plumes 5, whitish, tipped with red-orange flecks.The relatively shorter, doridiform body distinguishes this species from Triopha catalinae which has slightly prolonged large orange tubercles which bear very small branches or tubercles, rather than elongate, rather clavate processes on dorsum.
Size: Typically about 15mm in length, but may exceed 25mm.
Notes: Feeds on the bryozoan Hincksina velata.