McDonald's Dorid

Limacia mcdonaldi

Limacia mcdonaldi is a nudibranch species native to the California coast, growing to a maximum length of 26 mm. It can be identified by the unique row of orange spots that runs down its back, which helps differentiate it from the similar Limacia cockerelli. This species was named after Gary McDonald, a noted expert in nudibranchs, and was officially described in 2017 after discussions about the classification of Limacia cockerelli. The species is found along a range that extends from Salt Point in Sonoma County to Bahia de los Angeles in Baja California, with its type locality being White's Point in Palos Verdes. It has been observed frequently in the Monterey Bay and San Francisco areas, particularly during the years 2014 to 2016, when it became more prevalent due to warmer sea water temperatures associated with an El Niño event. Diving encounters with McDonald's Dorid can be interesting, as divers may observe it feeding on algae or small invertebrates. This nudibranch is hermaphroditic, which allows it to reproduce in a flexible manner. While specific breeding behaviors are not detailed, nudibranchs typically lay eggs in gelatinous masses. The conservation status of Limacia mcdonaldi is not evaluated, and its rarity is considered common, indicating that it is frequently encountered in its habitat.