Ecology

Godiva are found in the lower intertidal zone of coral reefs like those on Heron Island. Because of their small size and bright colouration they are naturally camouflaged with the vibrant array of colours displayed by colonies of hard and soft corals found on the reef flats (Marshall & Willan, 1999). They can be found on the underside of boulders and dead coral husks at depths ranging from 1-5m (Todd, 1981). 

Figure 1. Overhead view of Heron Island and accompanying reef flats (Taken from Google Maps)

Figure 2. Godiva specimen making its was across a boulder in it's aquarium home

Specimens kept in aquariums are often found on the undersideof rocks or within a dense tangle of algae. As a soft bodied species with no shell or weapons they are dependent on camouflage for defense.