Aplysia punctata mating

November 27, 2003
From: Jim Anderson

Dear Dr. Rudman,
We found these Aplysia punctata today. 4 of them, approx 85mm long, in a ball all connected. In 11.5 deg C water at 12 M at Maiden Island near Oban on the west coast of Scotland. I seperated them out to see what would happen. They were placed about 250mm apart and within 5 minutes had reassembled. Initially they 'reared' up from the bottom tasting/smelling the water then headed more or less for one another. I didn't see the final agregation (shortage of air!) but they were nearly all there.

Regards,
Jim A

jander4454@blueyonder.co.uk

Anderson, J., 2003 (Nov 27) Aplysia punctata mating. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/11491

Thanks Jim,
Mating aggregations are certainly a common occurrence among Sea Hares. I included a close-up of the head of one of the animsls as it shows the typical colour pattern. I have just noticed that it seems to have had an accdent with its rhinophores and is apparently growing new tips
Best wishes
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2003 (Nov 27). Comment on Aplysia punctata mating by Jim Anderson. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/11491

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Aplysia punctata

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