General Description

Body shape slug-like with gill structures visible as multiple projections along the sides body. Pattern includes shades or colours of green and/or white. Animal up to 7 cm long.

Biology

This is the largest sap-sucking sea slug species (the sacoglossans) in the Bass Strait area. Individuals are often seen crawling over algae in deep intertidal rock pools and they can release a white viscid fluid discharge if disturbed or handled. They are often associated with the green alga Caulerpa vesiculifera, which the animals closely resemble in both colour and the arrangement of the cerata.

Habitat

On green seaweeds in shallow waters and tidal pools, to depth of 10 m.

Coastal shores

Reefs

Distribution guide

Tropical and temperate Indo-Pacific, including New Zealand and Australia.

Species Group

Nudibranchs and allies › Sap-sucking sea slugs

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

7 cm

Diet

Herbivore

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Identify

• Nudibranchs and allies

Conservation Status

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