Predation by Humans?

September 16, 2001
From: Peter H. van Bragt

Dear Bill,
Browsing through your site, I found the page about predation on seaslugs. I wonder if you have ever heard of the following anecdote.

John Steinbeck, the world famous best-seller author (e.g. Cannery Row and Grapes of Wrath), with a vivid interest in marine biology, supposedly has investigated the content of cnidosacs, by volunteering as a guinea pig himself. It is said that he bit into a large seaslug to test its level of toxicity. As I understand it, he did not really eat the whole animal, but did suffer a great nuisance as his lips were covered with blisters for several weeks.

I am sorry to say that I do not have a proper reference for this anecdote. Maybe somebody else can confirm this story. Unfortunately we cannot ask the man himself about these experiences as he died 20 Dec. 1968.

Best regards
Peter H. van Bragt

vanbragt.phjm@hsbrabant.nl

van Bragt, P.H., 2001 (Sep 16) Predation by Humans?. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/5235

Thanks Peter,
No I hadn't heard this story but perhaps one of our Californian friends can enlighten us.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2001 (Sep 16). Comment on Predation by Humans? by Peter H. van Bragt. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/5235

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