Pleurobranchus from Cyclades, Aegean Sea

November 13, 2007
From: Manolis Mpardanis

I saw two specimens of Pleurobranchus  at Panormos, Naxos Island, Aegean Sea in July 2005.

Other encounters I have recorded for the same species in the same area include August 2004 at 35 m (two specimens mating, colours rather yellowish) and July 2006 at 8 m (one specimen, yellowish-green in colour with clear white rings around the tubercules).

Locality: Naxos Island, 50m, Greece, Aegean Sea, Mediterranean, 11 July 2005, Muddy with Caulerpa racemosa. Length: 20-22 cm. Photographer: Manolis Mpardanis.

Is this indeed the typical mediterranean species Pleurobranchus testudinarius? Do you believe there is any chance it could be feeding on Caulerpa racemosa or is this just a random stroll on the sea bottom?

Thank you in advance.
 Manolis Mpardanis.

info@naxosdiving.com

Mpardanis, M., 2007 (Nov 13) Pleurobranchus from Cyclades, Aegean Sea. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/21071

Dear Manolis,

Yes this is Pleurobranchus testudinarius. The rings around the base of the tubercles varies from pink to white. All pleurobranchs are carnivorous so it would mean a major change in its physiology for it to be able to eat and digest plant material. As you suggest, its walk across the Caulerpa beds is just a random stroll.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2007 (Nov 13). Comment on Pleurobranchus from Cyclades, Aegean Sea by Manolis Mpardanis. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/21071

Factsheet

Pleurobranchus testudinarius

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