[4] This is one of the most commonly sold aeolid nudibranchs in the marine aquarium trade in North America,[5] because it is used to control the sea anemone Aiptasia.

The larval nervous system of Berghia stephanieae includes an apical organ, developing central ganglia, and peripheral neurons associated with the velum (a structure used for swimming and particulate food collection), foot and posterior, visceral part of the larva.

[6] The same developmental pattern of cephalic tentacles has been shown in three other nudibranchs, so far (Adalaria proxima, Cadlina laevis and Melibe leonina).

[6] The first detectable structures in the early veliger stage (5-10% of development), the larval shell and the ciliated velar lobes, appear at the same time as the first movements of the larvae (rotation around their anterior-posterior axes).

[6] Veliger stage (10-20% of development): The embryo can retract the velum into the shell and the eyes as well as the larval foot (propodium) appear.

[6] Late veliger stage (20-25% of development): The operculum is present and the foot becomes thicker and longer, the embryo hatches shortly prior to metamorphosis.

Generally, 48 hours after metamorphosis juvenile specimens of Berghia stephanieae start to prey upon pieces of Aiptasia pallida anemones.

As the development continues, the length and the thickness of the rhinophores and oral tentacles increases as well as the body size.

The larval nervous system of Berghia stephanieae includes an apical organ, developing central ganglia, and peripheral neurons associated with the velum, foot and posterior part of the larvae.

Because Berghia stephanieae only eat Aiptasias, the nudibranchs will die of starvation when all the anemones are gone, so this situation must be taken into account.

This rapid and dramatic response involves the coordinated movement of cerata, which are venomous appendages protruding from the animal's mantle.

This suggests that the bristling behavior is stereotyped but non-reflexive, with the cerebral ganglia playing a crucial role in coordinating the full defensive response.