Chromodoris strigata in the Red Sea feeding?

October 12, 2005
From: Binyamin Koretz

Dear Bill,
The attached photos show specimens of what we assume is the Red Sea version of Chromodoris strigata, based on your description of the 5 translucent spots on the dorsal, and they also match your ID of Marina's animal (msg #6728). The first photo is very typical of the coloration; the other 2 unfortunately were taken with our old camera.

This species is fairly common in Eilat in the spring months, March-June (which is a typical pattern for many species here, perhaps triggered by the warming phase of the annual water temperature cycle). The rest of the year we don't see it. (Putting that in writing guarantees that it will show up next week!) It appears to be active mostly in the daylight hours, and resting at night, if seen then at all. It tends to be more commonly found in the depths 25-35m, but there aren't any temperature differences which would explain that.

Locality: Eilat, various sites, Israel. Red Sea (Gulf of Eilat). Depth: 26 m-36 m. Length: typically about 2-3 cm. April 2004, May 2005. corals Photographer: Binyamin and Shulamit Koretz

In several photos, e.g., the 3 that I've attached, the slug can be seen 'nuzzling' small circles of a reddish-brown substance which I guess could be a sponge, and I guess it could be eating it or thinking about it.

I hope that this is helpful.
Best regards
Binyamin
www.koretz.net/Eilat/Invertebrates/Molluscs/Opistobranchs.htm

binyamin@koretz.net

Koretz, B., 2005 (Oct 12) Chromodoris strigata in the Red Sea feeding?. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/14951

Dear Binyamin,
Thanks for these photos which I agree is what I am identifying as C. strigata. It seems in larger animals the lamellate part of the gills is clearly white. I would very much like to agree they are all feeding, but unfortunately, even on the larger scans you sent, I can't really be sure if the reddish patch is sponge or not. Thanks for hoping. I am sure you will in time find some chromodorids feeding, but some clearly are not going to make it easy for us.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2005 (Oct 12). Comment on Chromodoris strigata in the Red Sea feeding? by Binyamin Koretz. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/14951

Factsheet

Chromodoris strigata

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