The Pikachu Nudibranch (Thecacera pacifica) got its name from the Japanese Pokémon cartoon character which it resembles. This is a small species of nudibranch and not easy to spot. Therefore, sightings are special.
Pikachu Nudibranch Thecacera pacifica
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Scientific Rank | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: |
Mollusca (Mollusks / Molluscs)
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Class: |
Gastropoda
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Order: | Nudibranchia (Nudibranchs) |
Family: | Polyceridae (Polyceridae) |
Genus: | Thecacera (Thecacera) |
Species: | Thecacera pacifica |
Size | |
Average Size: | 2 centimetres |
Thecacera pacifica is found across the Indian Ocean and western Pacific. Some reported sightings also include The Gulf of Mexico, but these are unconfirmed. It is a rare species, and sightings are regarded as special.
Like many similar creatures, such as sea slugs and other nudibranchs, experts prefer not to refer to them by their common name, as these vary within the species. The scientific name is far more reliable. However, in this case, the common name is very popular.