Sea Slugs producing sulfuric acid

May 2, 2000
From: Foisy

Does anyone know why/how sea slugs produce sulfuric acid?
Thanks!
Foisy

Phlarn83@AOL.com

Foisy, 2000 (May 2) Sea Slugs producing sulfuric acid. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/2342

Dear Foisy,
The most commonly cited example of sea slugs producing sulphuric acid are the notaspidean pleurobranchs. Go to the SPECIES LIST [see navigation bar at top and bottom of each page] and have a look at the species listed under ORDER NOTASPIDEA, Superfamily Pleurobranchomorpha for some examples. Have a look at the photo of Berthellina citrina at the top of this page for a good example of these glands.

It has been suggested that these animals store acids from their food, but most of the evidence suggests that they produce the acid secretions themselves from large epithelial and subepithelial glands in their skin. These glands can be found in all parts of the skin, other than the gills.

There are many observations that these acid secretions are distasteful to prey and it is presumed that the sea slugs produce them as a defence against being eaten.

Have a look at the list, I have prepared, of research publications on acid secretions and have a look at the page on
Defensive Glands.

Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 2000 (May 2). Comment on Sea Slugs producing sulfuric acid by Foisy. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/2342

Factsheet

Defensive glands

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