Invertebrate
Spotted Dorid
Triopha maculataAlso known as Spotted Triopha, Speckled Triopha, Maculated Triopha
Spotted dorids glide across kelp holdfasts and rocky reefs along the eastern Pacific coast, displaying vibrant body colors ranging from translucent yellow-white to deep reddish-brown adorned with bright orange or bluish spots. They graze primarily on arborescent bryozoans, using a rasping radula to strip colonial animals from hard substrates. When threatened, they rely on chemical defenses absorbed directly from their prey rather than active flight.
MarineCarnivorousIntertidal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyBushy bryozoan, Encrusting bryozoans, Hydroids
Predators
- California aglaja
- Ochre sea star
- Kelp bass
ThreatsMarine heatwaves, coastal pollution, and habitat degradation
HabitatsRocky intertidal zones, subtidal kelp forests, and boat docks
Life spanUnder 1 year
Classification
- FamilyPolyceridae
- SpeciesTriopha maculata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Tidepool Etiquette: Look on shaded sides of boulders, pier pilings, and kelp holdfasts during low tides.
- Submersion Care: Keep sea slugs submerged in water, as their delicate gills collapse instantly in air.
Image unavailableSame Genus Prey 
Predator (c) Yury Velikanau, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Neighbor (c) Steve Addison, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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