Hammerhead Doto

Doto amyra

Doto amyra is a small sea slug, reaching a maximum size of 14 mm, though adults are typically under 10 mm. Its body is colourless, with the cerata displaying colors that range from creamy yellow to orange-red to brown, influenced by the hydroids it consumes. Unlike similar species such as Doto kya and Doto columbiana, this nudibranch does not exhibit dark pigmentation on its body. This species is found along the eastern Pacific coast, from Alaska down to Baja California, Mexico, primarily in benthic environments. It thrives in shallow waters, with recorded depths all shallower than 40 meters and 90% of occurrences noted to be shallower than about 20 meters. Feeding primarily on hydroids, Doto amyra has been observed consuming various species including Garveia sp. and several families of hydroids. Its unique reproductive strategy involves laying large eggs that develop into planktonic larvae, which settle after only a few days. This characteristic may indicate a complex of species rather than a single one. Encounters with this nudibranch during dives can be intriguing, as divers may spot them clinging to hydroids, showcasing their delicate form and coloration. Currently, Doto amyra has not been evaluated by the IUCN, leaving its conservation status unknown. However, it has been recorded at various dive sites, suggesting it may be relatively common in its habitat.