General Description

Body shape slug-like with gill structures visible as multiple projections along the sides body. Pattern includes shades or colours of white. Animal up to 3 cm long.

Biology

These nudibranchs use their hood or cowl to catch and contain food prior to ingestion. The animal casts the cowl forward rather like an angler casts a net. When handled, these tethydid nudibranchs exude a sweet sickly scent. There are three unnamed species of Melibe in south-eastern Australian waters.

Habitat

Usually found under stones or crawling on algae, to depth of 10 m.

Coastal shores

Reefs

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Nudibranchs and allies › Nudibranchs

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

3 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

MoV 4802

Identify

• Nudibranchs and allies

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed