Orange Peel Nudibranch, Tochuina gigantea

The only photographs I have  of Tochuina gigantea (previously described as Acanthodoris lutea) are atypical.  They are usually more orange than yellow and their frilly white margins and white-tipped rhinophores are tell-tale (not yet developed in the juvenile pictured here).  The first image, taken by a fellow snorkeller/free diver is much more yellow than the average “orange peel.” Nudibranchs often take on the colour of their primary prey and it’s quite possible that there were more yellow coloured sea pens or other octo-corals/hydroids in this area.   The juvenile (extraordinarily tiny (8 mm?) was found in the upper subtidal zone in an area of rock and sand substrate.  Unfortunately, I assumed it was a Rostanga pulchra (note the similarities in their rhinophore structure) and did not get too fussy about taking photos.  At least the sighting is recorded, and hopefully this little one will grow to be a rather significant 30 cm!  For a wonderful description of their breeding and feeding habits  see Jackie Hilderling’s “Big Orange Love.”