This nudibranch has two colour morphs that may be linked to habitat and diet. Shallow, intertidal forms appear milky white, while deeper water specimens have a yellow-spotted margin. These yellow spots have toxins derived from the sponges they eat, which serve to deter predators. They primarily feed on encrusting sponges. Unlike some nudibranchs, C.laevis juveniles hatch directly from eggs as miniature adults with enough energy reserves to survive for over a week without actively feeding. Their lifespan is about one year.