Berthellina citrina (Ruppell & Leuckart, 1828)
Orange gumdrop
Berthellina citrina
photo by Harasti, David

Family:  Pleurobranchidae ()
Max. size:  3 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthic; marine; depth range 0 - 150 m
Distribution:  Circumglobal tropical and temperate seas.
Diagnosis:  Often with small flat shell remnant hidden in mantle above digestive gland. Color ranges from translucent pale yellow to bright red; back covered with small white gland cells which secrete milky white secretion as a defense mechanism.
Biology:  Assumed maximum length from Ref. 844. Known from depths of 0 to 150 m (Ref. 7727); and at shallow subtidal depths under boulders on reefs; shells to 40 m (Ref. 337) and in rock pools up to 2 m. Hides under rocks at daytime, active at night (Ref. 844). Reported as a scavenger (Ref. 866) and as feeding on a variety of sponges and three species of corals, i.e., Tubastrea coccinea, Leptastrea sp. and Porites lobata (Ref. 84066).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans: 
Country info:   
 

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