Skin secretions in Pleurobranchus forskalii

April 30, 1999
From: Clay Bryce

Hi Bill,
I don't know if this is of any help but it is all useful info. With regards to K Koyanagi's query about Pleurobranchus forskalii. I have seen and photographed the effects of handling this species. It exudes copious amounts of acid (suplhuric?) in a mucous matrix that is strong enough to strip the outer skin layer from your hand. A burning sensation can be felt if the acidic mucous comes into contact with facial skin.

Cheers,

Clay Bryce

brycec@museum.wa.gov.au

Bryce, C., 1999 (Apr 30) Skin secretions in Pleurobranchus forskalii. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/819

Thanks Clay,
As you say, all information is useful. I remember the late Tom Thompson used to test slugs by touching his tongue to their skin - unofficially known as the 'Thompson Tongue Test'. I tried it on P. forskalii in Tanzania and resolved not to use the method again!

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 1999 (Apr 30). Comment on Skin secretions in Pleurobranchus forskalii by Clay Bryce. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/819

Factsheet

Pleurobranchus forskalii

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