#ringed dorid

[a-disaster-piece]

ambling down digital memory lane, & found a holy grail rabbithole of old uni marine invertebrate biology lab photos...

[crochetbabe]

Nudibranchs are one of my favorite animals to see while scuba diving and this particular species, Diaulula sandiegensis or more commonly known as the leopard ringed dorid, is a beauty. Aptly named, this sea slug has a white to gray body with brown rings and spots. Each nudibranch is unique.They love living in rocky areas and it's favorite food are sponges. This nudibranchs can be found in the Pacific Ocean from Alaska to Baja California. It is also found in Japan! However, the best place to find a soft plush leopard dorid to adopt is right here, on my etsy! 

[cephalogodess]

Diaulula sandiegensis

Ringed Dorid Nudibranch

I’m amazed at the variety this species displays- some are very light colored and others are dark and they all have a very unique pattern and amount of spots, blotches, and rings. 

[crochetbabe]

Did a photoshoot with Diaulula sandiegensis in its natural habitat today. I often see the leopard dorid nudibranch crawling on rocks and bark in about 20 feet under water. This plush version who doesn’t need to be in the ocean is for sale here.

[crochetbabe]

finished another nudibranch species! Meet Diaulula sandiegensis, or more commonly known as the leopard ringed dorid. Once I borrow a better camera to take nicer photos I’ll list this little mollusk on etsy as well as make keychains! Middle picture shows what the actual nudibranch looks like :) 

[cephalogodess]

I found the smallest red sponge dorid nudibranch! I found so many dorids here- first tide pooling then on the best dive of my life. These photos are from night tide pooling about a month ago at Salt Creek, my favorite place in the whole world right here in good ol’ Puget Sound.