Caulerpa Elysia
In this photo, there is a lot going on. There are three Caulerpa Elysias in the center. There is an Antilles Oxynoe at the top left, and there are many Seaweed Sea Cucumbers crawling around.
| Name: | Caulerpa Elysia |
| Scientific Name: | Elysia subornata |
| Family: | Sapsucking Slugs |
| Taxonomic: | Plakobranchidae |
| ID Group: | Nudibranchs, Sea Slugs, Sea Hares |
| Size: | up to 2 in. |
| Depth Range: | Shorelines, Tidal pools (0 – 2 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Not usually seen |
The Caulerpa Elysia has a body that ranges from green to yellow, tan, or red. It has small white bumps and a thin brown line along the edge of its ruffled flaps. The head has a white patch that reaches the short rhinophores. Its appearance can vary widely between individuals.
This Elysia feeds on green algae such as Penicillus and Udotea. It lives on rocks and algae and often blends in with its surroundings because of its color variation. It moves slowly along the bottom.