Melibe viridis in East Timor

November 2, 2006
From: Brian Francisco

Hi Bill

We found two distinct species of Melibe this morning, including three individuals that I believe to be Melibe viridis. Although we have seen relatively small species of Melibe in the past (perhaps juvenile viridis), this is our first encounter with the larger Melibe. While we observed, one of the individuals caught and ate a small crab. It seemed to take about 10 seconds for the Melibe to work the live crab into its 'mouth' before continuing its hunt.

Locality: Tasi Tolu, 15 meters, East Timor, Banda Sea, 13 August 2006, Sandy Slope. Length: 10-12cm. Photographer: Brian Francisco.

Just a few weeks ago I commented somewhat sympathetically on sea slugs' incredible ability to endure the stinging, biting, and otherwise annoying microscopic 'wildlife' they encounter. But these Melibe seem more like formidable predators, unlikely to be deterred by a pesky syllid.

Cheers
Brian
www.uwet.net
UnderWater East Timor

uwet.blogspot@gmail.com

Francisco, B., 2006 (Nov 2) Melibe viridis in East Timor. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/17451

Dear Brian,
It's a bit hard to separate some of the 'species' of Melibe, especially from photos, but I would agree that your animals are most likely to be Melibe viridis. They are indeed very efficient predators - fortunately for small crustacea they only seem to occur in large groups on rare occasions.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2006 (Nov 2). Comment on Melibe viridis in East Timor by Brian Francisco. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/17451

Factsheet

Melibe viridis

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