Markings on Aplysia punctata

August 17, 2006
From: Mark Henry

Dear Bill

Over this summer season I have observed many Aplysia punctata   in my area and often the colour variations are quite puzzling.

This specimen for example has strange pale spots in discrete areas, are these symbionts? parasites? or a natural colouration. If the ocelli are natural what purpose do they serve?

Locality: Flamborough, U.K., tide pools, Yorkshire, England, North sea, August 10, Rocky upper shore. Length: 60 mm. Photographer: Mark Heny.

Mark Henry

Mark06h@aol.com

Henry, M.S., 2006 (Aug 17) Markings on Aplysia punctata. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/17444

Dear Mark,
As far as I know the degree of spotting is part of the natural variation of the species. I can't say I know of any study to actually prove that, but some species, such as Aplysia parvula are even more variable. Looking at your photo alongside, I can see why Aplysia are happy in your tidepools - it looks like a veritable salad bowl of delicious red, green and brown algae.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2006 (Aug 17). Comment on Markings on Aplysia punctata by Mark Henry. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/17444

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Aplysia punctata

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