Kissing Hexabranchus sanguineus

November 8, 2005
From: Joseph De Vroe

Hi Bill,
What was my surprise when I found during a day-dive two kissing Spanish Dancers! [Hexabranchus sanguineus ] Is this a normal behaviour ?

Locality: Blind Reef, Egypt. Red Sea. Depth: 26 m. Length: both were ± 30 cm. 31 July 2005. stony. Photographer: Joe De Vroe

Thanks in advance for your comments,
Kind regards,
Joe

joe.devroe@skynet.be

De Vroe, J., 2005 (Nov 8) Kissing Hexabranchus sanguineus. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15168

Dear Joe,
Sorry to be a spoilsport, but as far as I know, 'kissing' has never been considered a behaviour that sea slugs engage in. Not being able to see, one of the main ways slugs can make sense of their surroundings is through touch. Often when two animals meet head to head like this they will nudge around, no doubt searching for the right 'smells' on the other animal. If all is well, they then have to respond by moving down the right side of their partner's body so that their mating organs are aligned.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2005 (Nov 8). Comment on Kissing Hexabranchus sanguineus by Joseph De Vroe. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15168

Factsheet

Hexabranchus sanguineus

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