Re: Tritonia festiva from southern California

January 8, 2007
From: Jim Lyle

Concerning message #19068:

Dr. Rudman,
I believe Graham's nudibranch is Tritona diomedea.

Best,
Jim Lyle

jlyle@adelphia.net

Lyle, J.L., 2007 (Jan 8) Re: Tritonia festiva from southern California. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/19106

Hi Jim,
Thanks for the note but Graham's critter is absolutely Tritonia festiva. The reticulated pattern, although faded and damaged separates it from T. diomedea.

We need to keep in mind that tritonids, like other groups, are highly variable in color. Many are actually affected by the most recent prey fed upon.

Coincidentally I have just received two huge specimens from Puget Sound, Washington State. These 100 mm specimens have no reticulating pattern at all, but are in fact T. festiva. The upper photo was taken by Greg Jensen, who collected the specimens and contacted me. The lower photo, taken by yours truly is a kitchen counter shot, but shows the characteristic frontal veil and gill tufts.

PHOTOS:  Rich Passage off Ft.Warden State Park, Puget Sound, Washington, USA. 30 feet on sand bottom, with sea pens.  Specimen 100 mm in length. Upper photo: Greg Jensen. Lower photo:Dave Behrens.

The only published photo I am aware of, of this color morph is in Lamb & Hanby (2005). A specimen identical to Gregs shown here can be found on page 261 of this terrific field guide.

  • Lamb, Andy & Bernard. P. Handy. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest - A photographic encyclopedia of invertebrates, seaweeds and selected fishes. Harbour Publishing, British Columbia.

Best wishes,
Dave Behrens

Rudman, W.B., 2007 (Jan 8). Comment on Re: Tritonia festiva from southern California by Jim Lyle. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/19106

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