Spiny mystery from Ireland
December 23, 2002
From: Cian Murphy
To whom it may concern,
I am an extreme amateur at the art of identification and marine biology in general, however I am very interested in species I come across on shores and rock pools all over Ireland. Recently whilst walking on Bull Island Strand, Dublin at low tide (sandy beach) I came across what upon further research appears to have been an Aeolidia papillosa. The specimen was around 4/5 inches long with a flat smooth back and a dense almost 'dog like' covering of hair on its sides. What threw me off a positive ID were the apparent bristles/spines that were present in clusters along both sides of the animal. The spines (which felt like hard bristles on a brush) seemed to emerge from nodules right the way along each side of the animal. I have been reliable informed that sea-slugs don't have spines so hence my confusion. The animal was alive and spurted a brownish liquid at me when I pick it up. Could it be that the animal was sick and its feelers (to put it in a extremely non-scientific way) were decomposing? Any comments would be greatfully appreciated.
Thanks
Cian Murphy
cian.murphy@kpmg.ie
Dear Sian,
It is difficult without an illustration to be sure, but an animal with the look of Aeolidia papillosa, but 'bristles/spines' in clusters, suggests to me you may have a sea mouse, which is a specialised kind of polychaete worm. Have a look at Clinton Bauder's message which has a couple of photos of a Californian species of sa mouse. One common genus is Aphrodite, so you could check on the web, or in books, for further illustrations.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman
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