Egg eater from Japan

July 30, 2001
From: Nishina Masayoshi


Dear Dr.Rudman,
This I do not find often, so I guess this is
not that common here.

Data:
Date: 30 Sep, 2000
Place: Nazumado, Hachijo Island, Japan
Depth: 6m
Size: 10mm

Best Regards,
Nishina Masayoshi

nishina@hpe15.wips.co.jp

Nishina, M., 2001 (Jul 30) Egg eater from Japan. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/4958

Dear Nishina,
This is Favorinus tsuruganus, which was first described from Japan, but is now known to be widespread, at least in the western Pacific. Most species of Favorinus appear to be uncommon, but I think it is a question of finding the egg masses they feed on. I don't know whether each species of Favorinus prefers the egg masses of particular species, but Favorinus japonicus, is often very common when Sea Hares are breeding, feeding on their egg masses.

Many nudibranchs, and other sea slugs, appear to be rare until we know something about their natural history - their food, their breeding cycle, etc., Then we know where to look for them.
Thanks for these interesting photos. It is possibly the egg mass of Hexabranchus. If that could be confirmed, it would be interesting, because in an earlier message Stuart Hutchison reported F. tsuruganus feeding on their eggs.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2001 (Jul 30). Comment on Egg eater from Japan by Nishina Masayoshi. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/4958

Factsheet

Favorinus tsuruganus

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