Diaulula sandiegensis feeding?

August 5, 2006
From: Jim Lyle

Dr. Rudman,

It looks like these Diaulula sandiegensis are feeding on a sponge (Haliclona sp?).

Locality: Palos Verdes Peninsula, 25 metres, California, USA, Pacific Ocean, 04 July 2006, rocky bottom. Length: 20 mm. Photographer: Jim Lyle.

Best,
Jim Lyle

jlyle@adelphia.net

Lyle, J.L., 2006 (Aug 5) Diaulula sandiegensis feeding?. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/17078

Hi Jim,

Absolutely right on.  Haliclona permollis is one of several sponge species Diaulula feeds on.  Others include - Halichrondria, Axinella, Mycale, Terpios and Toxadocia (according to McDonald & Nybacken's feeding monograph).

The close up of the brown ring, prepared by Bill, shows the texture of the mantle surface perfectly.  Members of this genus have special tubercles called caryophyllidia, meaning the tubercles have microscopic glass spicules protruding from their tips.

As seen in your photo, color varies a lot between individuals, particularly in the number of spots and rings.  Specimens at the north end of the range can have hundreds of spots.

Thanks,
Dave Behrens

Behrens, D.W., 2006 (Aug 5). Comment on Diaulula sandiegensis feeding? by Jim Lyle. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/17078

Factsheet

Diaulula sandiegensis

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