Kaloplocamus ramosus

Classification (WoRMS)

Full classification as recorded by WoRMS: Kingdom: Animalia · Phylum: Mollusca · Class: Gastropoda · Order: Nudibranchia · Family: Polyceridae · Genus: Kaloplocamus.

Accepted name: Kaloplocamus ramosus · Authority: (Cantraine, 1835) · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 141710.

Synonyms and superseded combinations recorded for this taxon: Doris fimbriata Delle Chiaje, 1841; Doris ramosa Cantraine, 1835; Euplocamus atlanticus Bergh, 1892; Euplocamus croceus R. A. Philippi, 1836; Euplocamus frondosus R. A. Philippi, 1839; Kaloplocamus atlanticus (Bergh, 1892); Kaloplocamus aureus Odhner, 1932; Kaloplocamus filosus Cattaneo-Vietti & Sordi, 1988.

Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=141710 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.

Biology and life history (SeaLifeBase)

Measured values published by SeaLifeBase for Kaloplocamus ramosus. Only fields the database actually holds for this species are shown; these are database values, not aquarium guidance.

Depth range: 0–130 m · Habitat zone: benthic.

SeaLifeBase notes: Inhabits deep water (Ref. 866).

Source: SeaLifeBase species summary (SpecCode 1380) — https://www.sealifebase.se/summary/Kaloplocamus-ramosus.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-23.

Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)

438 georeferenced occurrence records for Kaloplocamus ramosus are published through GBIF from 18 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 43 distinct locations from a sample of 438 records, omitting 19 inland records that carry an institution's coordinates rather than a collection site; it shows where the species has been observed and reported, not a modelled range.

Most records by country or area: Australia (256); Japan (111); Korea, Republic of (11); Portugal (10); China (9); France (8); South Africa (8); Spain (4); Hong Kong (3); Italy (3); French Polynesia (3); Ukraine (3); Angola (2); Philippines (2); United States of America (2).

Marine regions with a valid WoRMS distribution record: European waters (ERMS scope); New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone; Azores Exclusive Economic Zone; Australian part of the Tasman Sea; Australian part of the Bass Strait; South African Exclusive Economic Zone; Adriatic Sea; Madeiran Exclusive Economic Zone.

Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 2291839) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=2291839&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=141710 (CC BY 4.0); Natural Earth 110m basemap — https://www.naturalearthdata.com/ (public domain). Accessed 2026-09-23.

Description and natural history (Wikipedia)

This species was described from the Mediterranean Sea. It has subsequently been reported from south-eastern Australia and Japan, Hong Kong and Korea. It is also found off the South African coast, where it occurs from Hout Bay on the Cape Peninsula to the Wild Coast. It lives at depths from 25–400 m.

The length of the species attains 100 mm.

The tasselled nudibranch is very well-camouflaged; it usually cannot be noticed underwater without using a torch. The body is pale with variable amounts of reddish-pink pigmentation and is covered with raised white spots. Numerous branched projections on the notum aid in camouflage, and may be extended or retracted. This nudibranch has large perfoliate rhinophores, which are usually pinkish in color. The gills are spotted with red pigmentation.

The body is a distinct orange color with brighter orange speckles and may feature scattered, raised white spots. It has a soft texture with numerous branched lateral projections, which become more prominent when viewed underwater.

The body is pale orange with brighter orange speckles and scattered raised white spots.

Source: Wikipedia: Kaloplocamus ramosus — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaloplocamus_ramosus (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.

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