Candy Corn Nudibranch (Antiopella fusca)

Description: Being called the candy corn nudibranch or the white-and-orange-tipped nudibranch, this species is covered in cerata (tentacle-like structures) that have orange and white tips. Each ceras has a translucent color and a brown stipe at its core. This species is relatively small, only growing to about 2.5 cm long. Sometimes confused with the thick-horned nudibranch, the candy corn nudibranch can be correctly identified by the absent white and blue stripe down the center of their back that is found on the thick-horned nudibranch.

Habitat: In North America, candy corn nudibranchs are found ranging from Alaska to southern California in intertidal to subtidal zones. This species is also found in the western Pacific in Japan. At Haystack Rock nudibranchs are typically found in the lower intertidal areas on the south side of the rock or in front of The Needles. The candy corn nudibranch is often found in the water and can even be seen swimming upside down.

Diet: The candy corn nudibranch primarily eats bryozoans.

Tide Pool Tidbits:

• A study conducted in Oregon revealed that many candy corn nudibranchs are infected by a parasitic copepod called Ismaila belciki. Research shows that up to 80% of the population may be infected. It often looks like a white or pink appendage on the back on the nudibranch.

• In deeper waters, the candy corn nudibranch can reach sizes up to 6 cm long!

References: Walla Walla University, Wolf & Young 2014, The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest by J Duane Sept