It's a right royal pain when a nudibranch doesn't have a scientific name. New Zealand has a good selection of undescribed Trinchesia sp. nudibranchs and without a name how is one supposed to tell one from another in conversation? So I now call this nudibranch the 'rasta' nudibranch, because it has really awesome dreadlocks.
I've had plenty of recent sightings of this small species. Active during the daytime. Consistently in the 8-14 metre range. Egg coils common.
19-Nov-2016 Barren Arch (Splendid Arch), Poor Knights Islands
05-Nov-2016 Wall outside Barren Arch, Poor Knights Islands
24-Oct-2016 Bird Rock, Bay of Islands
22-Oct-2016 Wall outside Bigeyes Lair, Bay of Islands
16-Oct-2016 Matt's Crack (Long Cave), Poor Knights Islands
Despite good sightings I do believe that this nudibranch is rarely seen. It is small and blends in remarkably well with its food source. I attribute my success at spotting this nudi to having developed an eye for recognising its habitat and a patience for sitting there until I locate it.
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