Tritonia Festiva

Diamondback Tritonia
Tritonia Festiva

A tiny work of living geometry, this tritonia is painted in creamy whites, soft pinks and warm sienna, with a striking diamond-like pattern running across its back. Delicate feathery gills rise like little flames along its sides, while fine white tendrils fringe the body and give the whole animal an almost lace-like finish.

• Size: Typically around 20 mm, but can reach up to 70 mm
• Range: North Pacific; from Alaska along the west coast of North America to Baja California, as well as Japan
• Habitat / Depth: Rocky coastal habitats and coral-rich areas, from the intertidal zone to around 50 m
• Diet: Feeds primarily on octocorals, including sea pens and gorgonians

Photo by Ethan Ramsey