Re: Doriopsilla peculiaris from Nelson Bay [1]

January 30, 2009
From: Leanne and David Atkinson

Concerning message #9243:

Dear Bill,
We have come across a few Doriopsilla peculiaris during day dives recently at The Pipeline. We usually only see them on night dives. They have varied in colour from white through to orange. We found both of these orange and white Doriopsilla within a metre of each other and both doing the head up seeking behaviour.

We moved the orange one next to the white one head on and right side to right side. They did not hesitate but slid into mating position straight away. Mated and then moved away. The white one's reproductive organ is clearly seen still everted in the last shot. The whole process is shown best in more than three pictures so we will send it in two messages [see message #22177  for the rest].

Locality: The Pipeline, Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, 8 metres, New South Wales, Australia, Pacific Ocean, 19 January 2009, Silty sandy bottom with scattered sponges, ascidians, gorgonias and seaweed. Length: approximately 100 mm. Photographer: Leanne and David Atkinson.

Hope this is of interest.

Regards,
Leanne & David Atkinson

atk@hunterlink.net.au

Atkinson, L. & D., 2009 (Jan 30) Re: Doriopsilla peculiaris from Nelson Bay [1]. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/22176

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