Distinguished by its soft, spongy appearance, reddish colouration and very large respiratory papulae, which are generally obvious on the upper surface of living animals. Varies in appearance depending on location, but always with smooth surface and no distinct plates. Extended tube feet over the upper surface can give velvety looking texture. Dried specimens appear quite different from live animals as large marginal plates formerly hidden by the skin become apparent. The species occurs on sheltered and fully exposed reefs but is most common at moderately exposed sites. It feeds on encrusting invertebrates, particularly sponges, ascidians and bryozoans.

• Max Size: 18 cm
• Sea Temperature Range: 10.5-23.2°C
• Depth: 0-60m
• Habitat: Rocky Reef

• IUCN Threat Status: Not Evaluated
• Occurrence: Common (30% of sites)
  Occurrence describes how often the species is found on surveys within its distribution. It is calculated as the % of reef sites surveyed by RLS divers across all the ecoregions in which the species has been observed
• Abundance: Few (2 per transect)
  Abundance is calculated as the average number of individuals recorded per RLS transect, where present.