Nembrotha purpureolineata from South Africa
December 20, 1999
From: Valda Fraser
[Note added 4 March 2008: This is the new species Nembrotha aurea - see message #21419]
Dear Bill
Could you tell me what this barnacle-like thing is on the side of this Nembrotha purpureolineata.
Locality: South Coast KwaZulu-Natal SOUTH AFRICA. Scottburgh, 25m. November 1999. Size: 55mm
Regards
Valda Fraser
iti04937@mweb.co.za
Fraser, V., 1999 (Dec 20) Nembrotha purpureolineata from South Africa. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/1658Dear Valda,
That is the common genital opening which is situated on the right side just behind the head in all nudibranchs. As sea slugs are all hermaphrodites, there are in fact two openings which are only seen by dissection or during mating or egg laying, one for the penis, and one for the vagina. For mating to take place, nudibranchs need to position themselves with their right sides in contact (starboard to starboard - in nautical parlance).
Have a look at the pages on Torsion and Detorsion for some background information on why the reproductive openings ende up on the right side.
Cheers,
Bill Rudman.
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