Diving with Trinchesiidae Nudibranches

Trinchesiidae Nudibranchs are a little less commonly spotted, but can still be found on our Koh Lanta dive trips.

Individuals are brightly coloured aeolid nudibranchs, and in keeping with other members of this group, Trinchesiidae species have many tapered blood-filled tubes called 'cerata' growing on both the back and side areas of the body.

The cerata are thin-walled, blood-filled tubes which perform several functions, as part of the digestive system and also a gill-like function. The diet can influence the colour of the cerata and as such, members of this family can have varying colours, depending on the diet.

Find Out More

• Allen, G., Steene, R., Humann, P., DeLoach, N. (2003) Reef Fish Identification, Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL., USA: New World Publications, Inc., ISBN 1-878348-36-1.
• Humann, P., DeLoach, N., (2010) Reef Creature Identification, Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL., USA: New World Publications Inc., ISBN 978-1-878348-44-9
• Debelius, H. (2013) Indian Ocean Reef Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 978-3-939767-52-7.
• Debelius, H. (2004) Nudibranchs and Sea Snails, Indo-Pacific Field Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 3-925919-51-1
• Erhardt, H., Knop, D. (2015) Corals Indo-Pacific Field Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 3-925919-69-4.
• Veron J.E.N., Stafford-Smith M.G., Turak E. and DeVantier L.M. (2016). Corals of the World

More Marine Life References and Further Information