This nudibranch or sea slug lacks a shell but has very vivid colouration that makes identification of this species relatively easy. The main body covering, called the mantle, is light brown. The proturberances or folds are paler in colour and the smooth areas between the folds are a peacock blue colour. The edge of the mantle has brown lines.

It is found from the low tide zone to depths of 15 m on semi sheltered rocky shores. It is found only in Northern New Zealand mainly in the inner Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific Oceans.

This nudibranch was previously classified as Dendrodoris gemmacea