Chromodoris norrisi
Chromodoris norrisi Farmer, 1963
Like most chromodorid nudibranchs, Chromodoris norrisi sports a brilliant coloration pattern. There is some variation to the dotting. Sometimes there are a few bigger dots, whereas other individuals will have many smaller dots. Nevertheless, it is clearly recognizable by it pattern of red and yellow dots set against a white background, with a broken orange band rimming the margin of the animal's body.
Populary called the Clown Nudibranch, it ranges throughout the Gulf of California, Mexico, and had been reported from Isla Cedros on the outer coast of the Baja peninsula.
It secretes a defensive chemical called norrisolide, probably modified from chemicals obtained from its sponge prey.
Photos and text by Dr. Hans Bertsch
Assoc. Prof. |
