Author: Arnold, Harcourt & Pietsch, 2014
Comments: This species usually found in subtidal rocky-reef habitat dominated by small filamentous and foliose algae <i>Zonaria, Corallina, Amphiroa</i>, and <i>Laurencia</i> (often with some <i>Sargassum</i> spp.), a few scattered larger seaweeds, including <i>Ecklonia radiata</i> and <i>Sargassum</i> spp., and  large patches of filamentous or foliose algae. Vertical or sloping walls on the deep edge of nearby reefs are inhabited by ascidians, corals, and sponges, the latter including <i>Spongia</i> sp., <i>Tedania anhelans, Ephydatia fluviatilis, Darwinella australiensis, Chondrilla australiensis, Mycale australis</i>, and <i>Holopsamma laminaefavosa</i>. It is most often found closely associated with small sponges, blending in with the gray coloration of <i>Psammocinia</i> sp. or the red or yellow coloration of <i>Darwinella</i> sp., or nestled next to fan-shaped <i>Echinoclathria leporina</i>. The black ‘‘osculum-like’’ spots typically present on gray color morphs of the new species presumably aid in the mimicry of sponges as well (Ref. 97600).