Size differences in mating Phyllidiella zeylanica

August 30, 2007
From: Colin Ogden

Hi Bill,
On a dive today I came across these 2 Phyllidiella? that appear to be mating. I am amazed to see the difference in size. They also both seem to be covered in little bugs. I know you have mentioned their name before, but I can't remember it. Are they parasites, hitchhikers or cleaners.
Can you also please identify the nudi's. I get confused by the P. zeylanica vs P. meandrina vs Phyllidiopsis gemmata.

Locality: Sodwana Bay, 12 meters, South Africa, Indian, 26 august 2007, reef. Length: 55mm & 15mm. Photographer: Colin Ogden.

Thanks so much for your help.
Regards
Colin

scubaco@iafrica.com

Ogden C.M., 2007 (Aug 30) Size differences in mating Phyllidiella zeylanica . [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/20567

Dear Colin,
These are Phyllidiella zeylanica. Their size difference is certainly at the extreme end of possibilities. In most nudibranchs the male system develops first so small males are able to produce and transfer sperm quite early in their development. We don't know a lot about breeding but it is possible that a small animal like this could store sperm from a partner for some weeks unitl it ovary developed - but that all supposes that the special sperm sacs it has to store its partner's sperm are developed and functional at this small size.

Concerning the 'bugs' on the phyllidiids. I can't see them clearly in your photos but I guess they are some small crustacea.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2007 (Aug 30). Comment on Size differences in mating Phyllidiella zeylanica by Colin Ogden. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/20567

Factsheet

Phyllidiella zeylanica

Related messages

  1. Re: Phyllidiella meandrina from Mayotte Island
    From: Matthias Deuss, November 27, 2009
  2. Phyllidiella meandrina from Mayotte Island
    From: Matthias Deuss, November 26, 2009
  3. Phyllidiella zeylanica from Mayotte Island
    From: Matthias Deuss, November 26, 2009
  4. Re: Phyllidiella zeylanica from Indian Ocean
    From: Sandrine and Hugues Flodrops, March 11, 2009
  5. Phyllidiella zeylanica from Jakarta
    From: Charles Rowe, February 7, 2007
  6. Phyllidiella zeylanica feeding
    From: Lindsay Warren, October 6, 2005
  7. Phyllidiella zeylanica from Pemba
    From: Paul Young, November 23, 2002
  8. Phyllidiella zeylanica? from Pemba
    From: Paul Young, November 22, 2002
  9. Phyllidiella zeylanica from South Africa
    From: Linda Penny, September 16, 2002
  10. Phyllidiella zeylanica? from east Africa
    From: Bernard Picton , July 2, 2002
  11. Phyllidiella zeylanica from Comoros
    From: Valeria Safonova, June 30, 2002
  12. Phyllidiella zeylanica from Christmas Island
    From: Bill Rudman, June 30, 2002
  13. Phyllidiella zeylanica from Christmas Island
    From: W.B. Rudman, May 13, 2002
  14. More pesky Phyllidiids
    From: Mary Jane Adams , January 15, 2002
  15. Opposites attract even with nudibranchs
    From: Valda Fraser, October 3, 2001
  16. Phyllidiella zeylanica? from the Maldives
    From: Erwin Koehler, May 27, 2001
  17. Phyllidiella zeylanica from Indonesia
    From: Yasman, December 31, 2000
  18. Phyllidiella zeylanica from Papua New Guinea?
    From: Mary Jane Adams, June 7, 2000
  19. Phyllidiella zeylanica from Sth Africa
    From: Valda Fraser, March 30, 2000
  20. Is this Phyllidiella zeylanica?
    From: Erwin Koehler, December 14, 1999

Show factsheet and all related messages