Aplysia juliana from New Zealand

June 30, 2003
From: Paul Furneaux


Hi Bill,
While I was searching at night unsuccessfully) for some active Bulla quoyii (in Tauranga Harbour, New Zealand) I came across a large (approx 20cm) example of what I have worked out is Aplysia juliana. The information on the Forum was very helpful with this identification. This animal did not release the "ink" described for A. dactylomela and its movement followed the "leechlike" pattern described for A. juliana, and you may be able to see the sucker-like part of the foot in the ventral view. Because of its uniform, dark, olive green colour I found it difficult to obtain a good photo (I kept it in a bucket of aerated sea-water until the next day to photograph it in sunlight, then released it later that day- 9.06.03)

It was feeding on Ulva and once I placed it in the bucket the large volume of faeces soon became apparent, quite extraordinary. Also, a few days later (14.06.03) when I was out on the flats during daytime, I photographed an unusual looking egg mass string - bright yellow and looking like someone's pile of "instant noodles". From what I've read on the Forum this could be the egg mass of Aplysia juliana, and I would appreciate it if you could confirm this for me Bill. I've included the photo that I took.

Bulla quoyii remains a real challenge but I hope to be able to send you something of this species before too long.
Regards,
Paul Furneaux.

P.Furneaux@xtra.co.nz

Furneaux, P., 2003 (Jun 30) Aplysia juliana from New Zealand. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/10355

Dear Paul,
Yes this is Aplysia juliana. It was for many years called Aplysia brunnea or Aplysia nigra brunnea in New Zealand. It feeds mainly on green algae such as Ulva or Enteromorpha which could explain why it doesn't produce red or purple ink as the ink pigment seems to be derived from pigments found in red algae.

The egg ribbon is definitely that of a Sea Hare, but I can't say definitely if it that of Aplysia juliana, although that is the most likely identification. Good luck with your Bulla search. Although they are sometimes present in large numbers, I have never been able to find them when I wanted one.
Cheers
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2003 (Jun 30). Comment on Aplysia juliana from New Zealand by Paul Furneaux. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/10355

Factsheet

Aplysia juliana

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