MacFarland's Chromodorid

Felimida macfarlandi

This species is a colorful sea slug, characterized by its purple body adorned with orange stripes. It can grow to a length of 44 mm and may exhibit a short tail resembling a flower, along with two ear-like spots on the head. These features help distinguish it from other similar nudibranchs in the family Chromodorididae. MacFarland's Chromodorid is found in the Pacific Ocean, ranging from Central California, USA, to Baja California, Mexico, typically inhabiting shallow waters. The species has been recorded at depths shallower than 40 meters, with 90% of occurrences noted at depths less than 30 meters. The diet of MacFarland's Chromodorid primarily consists of small invertebrates, which it grazes on in its natural habitat. As a hermaphroditic species, it has the ability to reproduce with any other individual it encounters, facilitating breeding in its populations. Divers who encounter this species may observe it slowly moving across the substrate, often in coral reefs or rocky environments, where it can blend in with its surroundings.