Information on Chromodoris macfarlandi

Dear Annalise,
I don't know if we know too much about the life of Chromodoris macfarlandi. We have still a lot to learn about most marine animals. If you have a look at the Chromodoris macfarlandi Page you will find photos and some information in the messages on that page.

It feeds on two species of sponge, and like all chromodorids it can remove nasty chemicals from the sponges it eats and store them in special glands in its skin for its own defence. When fish, or other predators attempt to eat the slug they will get a mouthful of nasty chemicals. If you look at the pages listed on the Opisthbranch Defence page, in particular those to do with mimicry, defensive coloration and defensive glands, you will see that these animals are more than just a pretty face.

Their bright colours are part of an elaborate mechanism to warn fish that they should be left alone.

Perhaps someone can give us some more information, or reference to more information, on other aspects of their natural history.

Good luck with your project,
Bill Rudman