Species · GBIF taxon 6519348
Regal Sea Goddess
Felimare pictaAlso known as Painted Nudibranch, Painted Hypselodoris
Regal sea goddesses glide over rocky reefs and sponge gardens, displaying a striking dark blue body adorned with brilliant yellow or orange stripes and spots. These slow-moving marine gastropods concentrate toxic compounds from the sponges they eat, storing them in mantle glands to deter hungry fish. Their feathery gill plumes and sensory rhinophores sway gently in the current, warning predators of their chemical defense.
MarineColorfulBenthic
- diet
- Marine sponges
- family
- Chromodorididae
- threats
- Habitat degradation, water pollution, and ocean acidification
- life Span
- 1 to 2 years
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance; do not touch or remove from the water.
- Look closely at sponges: Scan rocky walls and sponge colonies where these nudibranchs actively feed.
- Do not touch: Their delicate bodies and gills are easily damaged by physical contact.
- Observe the gills: Watch the feathery gill plume at the rear expand and contract in the current.