Typically found in rocky substrates and seagrass beds in shallow waters.
Distribution
Found in the Mediterranean Sea, particularly around the coasts of France and Spain.
Conservation status
Least Concern
Edibility
Not used as food. Its culinary quality and food safety are undocumented; do not collect or consume it.
Danger level
Harmless
Usual observation depth
1–20 m
Behaviour
Generally observed alone, crawling slowly over colonies of hydroids. It is a small benthic predator that can retain stinging cells from its cnidarian prey in its cerata for defense.
Observation zones
Rocky reef, drop-off, overhang and hard substrate covered with hydroids; sometimes on artificial structures bearing hydroids.
Diet
Specialized predator of hydroids and other small sessile cnidarians.
Reproduction
Oviparous
Identification marks
Small aeolid nudibranch, generally reaching about 3 cm, with a pale, slender body, long oral tentacles and rhinophores, and numerous elongated cerata grouped along the back. Coloration is variable, but the cerata often show internal orange, reddish, or brown markings.
Similar species
May be confused with other Mediterranean aeolid nudibranchs, notably species of Dondice, Facelina and Godiva. Reliable identification may require examination of the arrangement of the cerata, the coloration pattern, the rhinophores, the associated prey and sometimes anatomical or genetic confirmation.
Approach rules
Observe without touching, collecting, or moving the animal or its hydroid prey. Approach slowly, maintain neutral buoyancy, and avoid kicking up sediment with your fins. Use soft, indirect lighting; avoid close, repeated flashes. Never feed nudibranchs.
Protection
No specific international protection status is known. Treat it as a wild species: avoid collection and habitat disturbance, and comply with applicable local and regional regulations.
