Mating behaviour in Hermissenda

February 15, 2000
From: Ty Lim

Hi,
I am a high school senior at Long Beach Polytechnic High, and I am doing a research project on whether animals of Hermissenda crassicornis can show a sexual preference. I know that they are hermaphrodites, but I was wondering if there was any research or experiment that had already been done to test what I'm testing. I have a hunch that it may have something to do with their muco-polysaccharides, but I'm not sure. If anyone can help, I'd greatly appreciate any information.
Thank you.
Ty Lim

Just2Tyght@yahoo.com

Lim, T., 2000 (Feb 15) Mating behaviour in Hermissenda. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/1900

Dear Ty,
I know of two research papers on mating behaviour in Hermissenda. They show that although 'pairing' and 'alignment' can take up to 30 minutes or more, actual copulation is over in 1 or 2 seconds. There doesn't seem to be any evidence of 'gender choice' both partners rapidly swapping sperm.

I am sure if there are later papers someone will let us know. Both these references should be available in a university library. I guess Long Beach is in California? If so you also have some good natural history museums which probably have both journals in their libraries.

Good Luck with your project. Perhaps you could send us a summary of your findings.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.

References:
•Longley, R.D. & Longley, A.J. (1981) Hermissenda: agonistic behaviour or mating behaviour? The Veliger 24(3):, 230-231.
•Rutowski, R.L. (1983): Mating and egg mass production in the aeolid nudibranch Hermissenda crassicornis (Gastropoda: Opisthobranchia). Biological Bulletin, 165(August): 276-285.

Rudman, W.B., 2000 (Feb 15). Comment on Mating behaviour in Hermissenda by Ty Lim. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/1900

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Hermissenda crassicornis

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