Odhner's Dorid

Doris odhneri

Odhner's Dorid is the largest nudibranch found along the California coast, reaching lengths of up to 20 cm. This species is characterized by its completely white coloration, lacking any markings, although some individuals in the Puget Sound region may exhibit a yellowish hue. A distinctive feature of this nudibranch is its gill structure, which consists of seven fluffy plumes, while its rhinophores have 20 to 24 lamellae, making it easier to identify among similar species. This nudibranch inhabits the eastern Pacific, from the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska down to Point Loma in California, and has also been recorded in Korea. It prefers subtidal environments and is typically found at depths up to 75 feet, rarely venturing into intertidal zones. Odhner's Dorid primarily feeds on sponges, particularly species from the Halichondria genus. Breeding occurs through hermaphroditic mating, where individuals align their bodies to exchange roles as male and female. They lay elegant ribbon-like egg masses attached to hard substrates, which develop into planktonic larvae. Encountering Odhner's Dorid while diving can be an intriguing experience, as divers may observe its unique features and feeding behavior in its natural habitat.