Ceratosoma brevicaudatum

Images taken at Nelson Bay and Bare Island NSW, Australia, Lembeh, Indonesia

Ceratosoma belong to the family Chromodorididae. The body is usually smooth, elongate-ovate in shape with undulating mantles with mantle glands at the posterior end or to elaborate appendages behind the gill. The mantle glands store its defensive mechanism, a toxic chemical obtained from the sponges it feeds on. The rhinophores and gills are able to retract into pockets. The rhinophores are lamellate clubs.

Ceratosoma brevicaudatum have numerous colour variations ranging from pale yellow/orange through to deep red/purple. Distinctive spots of yellow, purple and red circles along the body. The rhinophores are coloured in line with the colour of the body.

They feed on sponges and found on sea grass and reefs.