Eggs to identify

February 21, 2000
From: Valda Fraser

Dear Bill
I noticed these eggs and decided to take a photo. Hopefully you'll know which kind of nudibranch laid them. How long does it take them to hatch?
Locality: South Coast KwaZulu-Natal SOUTH AFRICA, Scottburgh - 25m. 23 Jan 2000.

Regards
Valda Fraser

iti04937@mweb.co.za

Dear Valda,
I'm afraid it is very difficult to identify nudibranchs from their egg masses. Firstly we know the egg masses of very few species, and secondly, quite a few have an egg ribbon very similar to your photo except for the colour. Some species, like in the genus Rostanga, have egg masses which are so distinctive that they can be used to identify the species, but that is very rare.

So if you ever see an animal laying an egg ribbon it is well worthwhile photographing it and the slug.

Have a look in the Gneral Topics Index for some other information on eggs and use the Search button as well because I have chatted about egg shape, development times etc on a number of occasions.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 2000 (Feb 21). Comment on Eggs to identify by Valda Fraser. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/1790

Factsheet

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