Syphonata geographica mating

February 25, 2008
From: Leanne & David Atkinson

Hi Bill,
We found these Syphonata geographica in an aggregation. We counted three at the time but it is harder to see each of the individuals in the photos. Is the one on top in a mating position? They are covered in sand grains perhaps they recently emerged from the sand. This was early in the morning. Perhaps they sleep under the sand and emerge during the day. We also saw eggs beside them and will send a second message [#21227] with more egg photos.

Locality: Fly Point, Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park, Port Stephens, 8 metres, New South Wales, Australia, Pacific, 24 November 2007, Sandy bottom scattered sponges, ascidians, gorgonians and seagrass. Length: approximately 120 mm. Photographer: Leanne & David Atkinson

Regards,
Leanne & David Atkinson

atk@hunterlink.net.au

Atkinson, L. & D., 2008 (Feb 25) Syphonata geographica mating. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/21226

Dear Leanne & David,

I can't be sure they are mating but usually when sea hares are found crawling over each other like this there is bound to be some mating activity taking place. Thanks for the suggestion that they may be burying in the sand at night. Certainly the covering of sand would suggest as much - or at least that they have been 'ploughing' through the sand.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2008 (Feb 25). Comment on Syphonata geographica mating by Leanne & David Atkinson. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/21226

Related messages

  1. Seahare from Lembeh, Indonesia
    From: Zeineb Alhaidari, November 9, 2009
  2. Syphonota geographica from South Africa
    From: Valda Fraser, June 2, 2008
  3. Syphonata geographica eggs
    From: Leanne & David Atkinson, February 25, 2008
  4. Syphonata geographica feeding on Halophila
    From: Leanne & David Atkinson, November 27, 2007
  5. Re: Seahare from Singapore
    From: Ron Yeo, March 29, 2007
  6. Syphonota geographica from Bali
    From: Teresa (Zubi) Zuberbühler, February 19, 2007
  7. Syphonota geographica from northern Bali
    From: Danny van Belle, January 31, 2007
  8. Syphonota geographica from Dominica
    From: Linda Ianniello, July 23, 2004
  9. Syphonota geographica from Changi, Singapore
    From: Ria Tan, February 5, 2003
  10. Re: Syphonota geographica from Italy
    From: Erwin Koehler, December 18, 2002
  11. Re: Syphonota geographica from Turkey
    From: Erwin Koehler, December 13, 2002
  12. Syphonota geographica from Turkey
    From: Ferda Buyukbaykal , December 12, 2002
  13. Syphonota from Sydney
    From: Akos Lumnitzer, June 1, 2000
  14. Is Syphonota found in Australia or NZ?
    From: P.M. Johnson, May 26, 1999

Show factsheet and all related messages