Nudi / Dorid ID Help

[Tom Nic]

It seems like I go through "spurts" of wrestling with a particular kind of critter ID while learning to ID them well, as in "spurts" of certain critters giving me fits ](*,) (like sculpins). Well, right now I'm wrestling with the learning to ID the different whitish dorids that we have in this area. I've also had trouble taking good pics of them because of the reflection from their white skin. I end up overexposing them and so have been learning to go with a softer flash setting.

Any ideas on what this one might be?
<a href="" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1342/133 ... 8ed649.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="CIMG8755"></a>

It could be a White Nudibranch, Doris odhneri, but it doesn't seem quite right. It might also be a White-Rimmed Nudibranch, Aldisa albomarginata, but the white rim isn't very distinct. I suppose it could be a Yellow Margin Dorid, Cadlina luteomarginata without the yellow?! But that doesn't make sense. I only got one pic of it.

On the same dive I found several of what I beleive to be Yellow Margin Dorids, Cadlina luteomarginata
<a href="" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1013/133 ... d28d73.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="CIMG8761"></a>
<a href="" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1122/133 ... f9452a.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="CIMG8791"></a>

I also found a few of what I beleive to be Nanaimo Dorids, Acanthodoris nanaimonoensis
<a href="" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1133/133 ... 79029a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="CIMG8741"></a>
<a href="" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1411/133 ... 4e0b4c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="CIMG8783"></a>

I have been scouring Andy Lamb's book, and David Behrens "Eastern Pacific Nudibranchs", and have looked at "Whelks to Whales" (though it doesn't have a large selection). I try and cross look up anything close by it's Latin name because as you know pictures can vary significantly from book to book.

Any thoughts / opinions / other book suggestion would be appreciated.

[Jan K]

Very nice pictures Tom, I think that you got them figured out right. The first one however, is very difficult one, I am struggling with the same, and it is apparent, we are not the only ones. Just check out the Slug Forum and type in white dorids ..
http://www.seaslugforum.net/display.cfm?id=20264
http://www.seaslugforum.net/display.cfm?id=16457

[Ken G]

Not sure on the first one but the second might be a Hudson Dorid (Acanthodoris Hudsoni) . I think you are correct on the Nanaimo Dorids

[spatman]

I end up overexposing them and so have been learning to go with a softer flash setting.

do you adjust your flash during a dive or do you have it set prior to splash?

and again, wonderful pics.

[Tom Nic]

THis last dive I adjusted it during the dive.

The Casio is pretty easy that way, and with the northern diver gloves I've been using I have alot more dexterity under the water.

[H20doctor]

I took apic of this Nudi Last week at edmonds

[Tom Nic]

It is a Cockerell's Dorid, on of my favorites, and not real common down here in the Sound. Good find!