Re: Flabellina trophina feeding and laying eggs

October 8, 2008
From: Jeff Goddard

Concerning message #21924:

Hi Bill,

The thin parchment tubes pictured in Marli Wakeling's images, as well as those in Jackie Hildering & Glen Miller images in message [#12533 ] belong to a chaetopterid polychaete worm, either Phyllochaetopteris prolifica or Spiochaetopteris pottsi. These tubes are only a mm or two in diameter and are characterized by their slightly flaring openings which as the worms grow manifest as annulations on the tubes. Both species can form dense beds subtidally, and their tubes occasionally wash ashore in great abundance.

I noticed that in message [#9702 ] Irina Roginskaya identified remains of chaetoperid polychaetes in the gut of Flabellina trophina; combined with the above photographic evidence, it appears that these worms are indeed an important component of the diet of the aeolid.

I wonder if the tubular oral veil pictured so clearly in message [#12533 ] might be used to create a suction, via ciliary or muscular action, to bring the worms closer to the opening of their tubes, where the jaws and radula can then go to work.

Best wishes,
Jeff

goddard@lifesci.ucsb.edu

Goddard, J.H.R., 2008 (Oct 8) Re: Flabellina trophina feeding and laying eggs. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/21936

Thanks Jeff,

It would be great to see the strange tubular 'oral veil' in action.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2008 (Oct 8). Comment on Re: Flabellina trophina feeding and laying eggs by Jeff Goddard. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/21936

Factsheet

Flabellina trophina

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