Re: Chromodoris splendida feeding

February 16, 2006
From: Bruce Wilkie


Concerning message #12033:

Hi Bill,
I have been reading Leanne & David Atkinson's posts Dec 22 2003 & Jan 29 2004 on Chromodoris splendida feeding. These animals are very common in this area and I have many photos them.

Upper photo: Single feeding on yellow sponge. December 13 2005. Shag rock. Depth 12 mtrs. Temp 22° C. Length approx 35 mm.
Middle photo: 2 feeding on orange sponge with moray eel. December 28 2005. Manta Bommie. Depth 12  mtrs. Temp 23° C. Length approx 30 mm.
Lower photo: 2 feeding on yellow sponge.  December 1 2005. Flat rock. Depth 14 mtrs. Temp 22° C. Length approx 30 mm.[All Manta Bommie, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia. Photographer: Bruce Wilkie]

On the lower animal you can see what I think could be part of its mouth?
I hope these are helpful to you.
Many Thanks
Bruce Wilkie.

brucedwilkie@yahoo.com.au

Wilkie, B., 2006 (Feb 16) Re: Chromodoris splendida feeding. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15827

Dear Bruce,
I think we can be pretty sure these animals are feeding on these orange and yellow sponges, which I suspect are species of Darwinella. I am interested to hear you say this is a common species at North Stradbroke Island. I would be interested in photos showing a range of the colour variation found in the species in your part of the world. In most of New South Wales it has large red spots scattered all over the mantle but in nthn New South Wales it usually has one large spot or a few large spots in the centre of the back.  Some of yours seem to have the spots arranged centrally, but it would be nice to know if there is any 'common' pattern in Queensland. I would also be interested in any photos of egg-laying.

The Moray Eel in your second photo is interesting. It seems to suggest that C. splendida is not on its menu.Best wishes,

Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2006 (Feb 16). Comment on Re: Chromodoris splendida feeding by Bruce Wilkie. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15827

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