More on Aplysia parvula color forms

July 16, 2002
From: Cory Pittman

Dear Bill,
The solid-black form of Aplysia parvula with blue highlights is rare on Maui (I've only recorded 5 out of 194 found in my algae washes as "dark form"). The attached photo is of an animal collected in a wash on October 25, 1997. It was taken at a depth of about 11 m in mixed Halimeda and rubble at Airport Beach, Maui. While holding it, I observed it copulating with a typical, brown-and-cream animal that was collected in the same wash. So, that would support lumping the color forms although, unfortunately, I didn't photograph them "in the act". I recorded three animals as held in the dish with lengths of 8mm, 9mm and 5mm but didn't note which length referred to the black one. However, I recall the copulating pair as similar in size so the length of the animal in the photo was probably 8 or 9mm.

By the way, one or the other laid eggs. The mass was about 4mm in diameter and composed of a tangled, golden-brown string about 1/3 mm in thickness. The eggs hatched after approximately 8 days.

There may also be some changes in color with growth. The small, mottled animals (less than 20mm) that I usually pick up in washes are typically brown-and-cream, often with faint blue highlights. In contrast, the large, mottled animals (40 to 60mm) that I often see while snorkeling are typically black-and-cream and generally lack blue highlights.
Best wishes,
Cory

Cory@cet.com

Pittman, C., 2002 (Jul 16) More on Aplysia parvula color forms. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/7483

Thanks Cory,
I am very interested in hearing about the mating episode between the two colour forms. Certainly suggests they're related.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Factsheet

Aplysia parvula

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