The Genus Cymatium Röding, 1798

Habitat: Most Cymatium are found in relatively shallow water in tropical seas. However, some species are also found in temperate waters, and at times, in depths of up to 1,200 feet.

Feeding habits: All Cymatium are carnivorous and normally feed on living ascidians, tube-worms, other mollusks, sea-cucumbers and starfish although carrion is not spurned. Most species first anesthetize their victims with secretions from the salivary gland prior to ingestion. This not only serves to immobilize the prey, but aids in the digestive process.

Reproduction: The sexes are separate and fertilization takes place internally. The eggs are laid into cup-shaped receptacles called capsules. After hatching, the free-swimming larval stage of the offspring of several species lasts for several months, which fact accounts for extensive geographic ranges, some circumglobal.

Subgenera [type species shown]