Scuba Journal Magazine

Marine Life / Nudibranchs

Mexichromis mariei

Mexichromis mariei
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Mollusca
Class
Gastropoda
Order
Nudibranchia
Family
Chromodorididae
Genus
Mexichromis
Species
Mexichromis mariei

Mexichromis mariei is a small chromodorid nudibranch, part of the colourful family that includes Chromodoris and Hypselodoris.

Its white to cream body is covered in raised tubercles tipped in purple, and its gills and rhinophores are edged in purple. The bumpy back sets it apart from the smooth-bodied chromodorids.

Like other chromodorids it feeds on sponges. It is usually seen crawling over reef and rubble during the day.

It is small, so get close with a macro lens and focus on the rhinophores. A side angle shows off the purple-tipped tubercles best.

It appears on page 127 of Nudibranchs of the Philippines.

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