Mating Hypselodoris whitei: size and maturity ?

October 3, 2007
From: Kamal El Tawil

Dear Bill,

The two mating Hypselodoris whitei are very small in size (10-12 mms) while the single animal in the second picture is significantly bigger (40 mms).
Would this be an indication of early maturity in this species ? or is size irrelevant here ? I understand that nudibranchs can reach maturity in a few days or in a few months in different species (message #6464 ).

Locality: Lembeh Straight, N.E. Sulawesi, 10-12 metres, Indonesia, Celebes sea, 12 August 2007, Muddy. Length: 10-12 mms. Photographer: Kamal El Tawil.

Kind regards,
Kamal El Tawil
www.coralworld.net

kt@coralworld.net

El Tawil, K., 2007 (Oct 3) Mating Hypselodoris whitei: size and maturity ?. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/20855

Dear Kamal,
As I discuss on the lifespan Fact Sheet, nudibranchs are very variable in lifespan and age of maturity although as a general rule I think we can say that those that grow to maturity very rapidly usually only live a short time [couple of months or less]. Most species seem to live for about a year and many reach maturity quite early - but usually the male parts develop to maturity first so you will see large and small animals pairing up. In these cases the small one possibly stores its partners sperm until it developes fertile eggs. In the case you have here it is possible that neither animal has a mature female system so perhaps they will both store their partner's sperm for a month or so until they have fertile eggs.

We have little information on growth rates of most nudibranchs so I am ashamed to say I have no idea how long it will take your small animals to reach the size of the larger one.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2007 (Oct 3). Comment on Mating Hypselodoris whitei: size and maturity ? by Kamal El Tawil. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/20855

Factsheet

Hypselodoris whitei

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