Species profile
Cockerell's Dorid
Limacia cockerelli
At a glance
Cockerell's Dorid (Limacia cockerelli) is a sea slug present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
Confirmed by 2,541 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with California, British Columbia, and Washington the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- This Pacific nudibranch grows to about 2 cm and is recognized by its vivid orange and white markings.
- It feeds on bryozoans in rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal zones from Baja California to British Columbia.
- As a dorid nudibranch, it breathes through a crown of exposed gill plumes on its back.
- Like all nudibranchs, it sheds its protective shell permanently during larval development.
- Its bright colors warn predators that it is unpalatable—a defense strategy called aposematism.
Where Cockerell's Dorid are seen
Background
Limacia cockerelli is a species of sea slug, a dorid nudibranch, a shell-less marine gastropod mollusc in the family Polyceridae.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Cockerell's Dorid article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other sea slugs/nudibranchs on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.