Distribution: Possibly common throughout the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Recorded from the southern half of Australia, from Caloundra in Queensland, South Australia, to Perth, including Tasmania. 

Ecological Notes: Frequents intertidal areas particularly rock platforms and sheltered estuarine areas. Depth to 10 m, often shallower.

Additional Notes: Possibly the most common intertidal nudibranch in southern Australian waters, its colour may vary from drab brown/yellow to bright orange. Recognised by sky blue specks on the body (pale violet in this photograph) and rhinophores with twelve or more annular lamellae and white tips. Known to prey on other Aeolid nudibranchs. Lays small white coiled egg mass from which planktotrophic (feed on plankton) larvae hatch. Grows to 40 mm, often smaller.

References: Robert Burn, 2015. Museum Victoria Field Guides: Nudibranchs and related molluscs. Museum Victoria, Melbourne. p.216.

Gary Cobb, David Mullins, Nudibranchs Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition, 2015. Publishers Thomas Slone, Masalai Press and Tim Hochgrebe, Underwater Australasia. p.211.