Strange structure on Hypselodoris tricolor

June 28, 2006
From: Dominique Horst


Hello Bill,

On these photos of an animal I've identified as Hypselodoris tricolor, I've noticed a strange spot on its flank. I really have no idea what this spot could be. Would you have any suggestion on this ?

Locality: Cap d'Antibes, 18m, Antibes, France, Mediterranean sea, 25 June 2006, vertical rock. Length: 18mm. Photographer: Dominique Horst.

Many thanks in advance for your help,
Kind regards,
Dominique

dominique.horst@wanadoo.fr

Horst, D., 2006 (Jun 28) Strange structure on Hypselodoris tricolor. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/17001

Dear Dominique,
The 'strange spot' is the opening to the reproductive organs. All sea slugs are hermaphrodite with functional male and female systems. As they do not fertilise their own eggs, they still need to mate with another partner, but when mating, they usually act as male and female simultaneously. In nudibranchs, the reproductive ducts - the penis, vagina, and usually a second 'female' opening for outgoing eggs - all open together on the right side of the body behind the head. They open into a small internal sac or genital vestibule, but during mating, the vestibule everts - like the finger of a rubber glove - so that openings become functional. In your photo, the 'vestibule' is partially everted. In some cases the structures are very elaborate like in Roberto Sozzani's Nembrotha photos [see message #13711]
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2006 (Jun 28). Comment on Strange structure on Hypselodoris tricolor by Dominique Horst. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/17001

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Hypselodoris tricolor

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