Species · GBIF taxon 2291808
Clown Nudibranch
Triopha maculataAlso known as Spotted Triopha, Speckled Triopha, Maculated Triopha
Clown nudibranchs glide gracefully through Pacific tide pools, showcasing a spectacular array of colors ranging from brilliant orange to deep, speckled brown. These shell-less mollusks graze primarily on branching bryozoans, using specialized radula teeth to rasp away their tiny prey. Their striking, brightly colored dorsal processes serve as a warning to potential predators of their unpalatable chemical defenses.
MarineColorfulBenthic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Crisia bryozoans
- Scrupocellaria bryozoans
Predators
- Sea stars
- Crabs
- Navanax
ThreatsOcean acidification, habitat destruction, and coastal pollution
HabitatsRocky intertidal zones, tide pools, and shallow kelp forests
Life spanAbout 1 year
Size / weightNot available
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
- Tide Pool Etiquette: Search gently among low-intertidal kelp and bryozoan colonies without moving rocks.
- Look for Color Variations: Watch for specimens ranging from bright orange to dark brown with conspicuous light spots.
- Do Not Touch: Leave these delicate mollusks in the water, as removing them can cause fatal damage to their soft bodies.
Image unavailableCo-occurring Nudibranch 
Co-occurring Nudibranch (c) Steve Addison, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-byClose Relative
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