Update September 2020. Due to a recent taxonomic study, the Sea Clown Triopha has now been divided into two distinct species: the Triopha catalinae and the Triopha modesta. What I have written here is mostly applicable to the Triopha catalinae. Many of the species documented here are likely Triopha modesta, which is now considered to be a trans-Pacific species, found primarily along the coast of British Columbia and as far away as Korea and Japan. Until I examine each individual and try to determine their specific identification I can’t legitimately set up a page for the separate species. So for now, here’s a focus on the catalinae. Named after Catalina Island in California, the Triopha catalinae (to 15 cm) is an Eastern Pacific colourful nudibranch, well established along most of the West Coast of North America. Luckily for the snorkeler/free diver, this species is often found under rock ledges feeding on bryzoans in the intertidal and high subtidal zone. I have also found individuals feeding in the eelgrass, on kelp and on docks. Though I’ve never seen these animals copulating, I have seen them moving into position (right side to right side) and a photo of that is below. For some fun reading on triopha sex, check out Bill Rudman’s comments on their genital apparatus. Like all nudibranchs, triophas are hermaphrodites, but triophas apparently have two female ducts, rather than the usual one.