Nembrotha rutilans - feeding observations

February 15, 2006
From: L. & D. Atkinson


Note added 4 March 2008: Following Pola et al (2008) the name N. rutilans has been replaced by Nembrotha purpureolineata [see message #21419].

Dear Bill,
In your reply to Bruce Potter about Nembrotha rutilans [#15763], you asked whether it might have been feeding on the yellow-lined ascidian, Clavelina meridionalis. We regularly see them feeding on that ascidian, which is abundant in Port Stephens. The accompanying photos were taken in 2004 when we were regularly seeing Nembrotha rutilans at Fly Point. They are less commonly sighted there in late 2004 and are now quite abundant at The Pipeline which is the western end of Nelson Bay Beach. We have been regularly seeing 6 per dive. Clavelina meridionalis is still abundant in both places.

Locality: Fly Point, Marine Reserve, Port Stephens, 14 m, NSW Australia, Pacific, 11 January 2004, Sandy bottom with sponges, soft corals and ascidians. Length: 100 mm Photographer: Leanne & David Atkinson

Regards,
Leanne & David Atkinson

atk@hunterlink.net.au

Atkinson, L. & D., 2006 (Feb 15) Nembrotha rutilans - feeding observations. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15797

Dear Leanne & David,
Thanks for these great photos. They show very clearly how the white oral tube of the Nembrotha is everted out of the mouth, right into the 'bag-like' branchial cavity of the ascidian so it can feed on the fleshy part of that animal.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2006 (Feb 15). Comment on Nembrotha rutilans - feeding observations by L. & D. Atkinson. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15797

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