Re: Pleurobranchaea brockii from Sydney

April 1, 2001
From: Kathe R. Jensen

Dear Bill & Erik,
Pleurobranchaea brockii is a very common subtidal species in Hong Kong, where it grows to a considerable size (>20 cm). The larger specimens are often cannibalistic, whereas smaller individuals have been found with cephalaspids (Philinopsis cf. cyanea, Philine orientalis, Ringicula cf. doliaris) in the crop. I once found a specimen, which had eaten a smaller specimen of P. brocki, which again had Philinopsis cf. cyanea in its crop, and the Philinopsis had some Ringicula shells in its intestine. How is that for a "food chain"?

Reference: Jensen, K.R. (1997) Cannibalism in an opisthobranch mollusc, Pleurobranchaea brockii Bergh, 1897 from Hong Kong waters. Phuket Marine Biological Center Special Publication, 17(1): 41-46.
Cheers,
Kathe

jensen@ait.ac.th

Jensen, K.R., 2001 (Apr 1) Re: Pleurobranchaea brockii from Sydney. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/4098

Thanks Kathe,
Your 'food chain' reminds me of those nesting Russian dolls.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Factsheet

Pleurobranchaea brockii

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