Species · GBIF taxon 4605680
Pikachu Nudibranch
Thecacera pacificaAlso known as Pikachu Sea Slug, Pacific Thecacera
Pikachu nudibranchs are striking marine gastropods easily recognized by their bright orange-yellow bodies tipped with electric blue and black accents. These small sea slugs crawl slowly over rocky reefs in the tropical Indo-Pacific, using their sensory rhinophores to locate food. Their distinctive color pattern serves as a warning to predators of their toxic 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
- Bryozoans
- Bugula dentata
Predators
- Crabs
- Sea spiders
- Predatory sea slugs
ThreatsHabitat degradation and water pollution
HabitatsTropical rocky and coral reefs
Life spanUp to 1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPolyceridae
- SpeciesThecacera pacifica
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; avoid touching their delicate bodies.
Responsible observation
- Look Closely: Search among green bryozoan colonies on shaded reef walls where they feed.
- Avoid Touching: Their soft bodies are extremely fragile and easily damaged by physical contact.
- Use Macro Lenses: Capture their vibrant details with a camera rather than disturbing their position.
Image unavailableHost Plant Predator Close Relative Family Member
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