New feeding record for Pteraeolidia ianthina

December 5, 2006
From: Bruce Wilkie

Concerning message #18378:

Hi Bill,
Thought you may be interested in these photo`s of Pteraeolidia ianthina feeding on a hydroid (possibly the sea fir Solanderia fusca). I watched this animal for about 10 mins, it must have been rather hungry because it attacked the sea fir with great ferocity.

Locality: Flat Rock North Stradbroke Island, 8 metres, Queensland Australia, Pacific ocean, 02 November 2006, rocky reef with sponges, hard & soft corals . Length: long. Photographer: Bruce Wilkie.

Many Thanks,
Bruce Wilkie.

brucedwilkie@yahoo.com.au

Wilkie, B., 2006 (Dec 5) New feeding record for Pteraeolidia ianthina. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/18844

Dear Bruce,
I am definitely very interested in what this amazing solar-powered sea slug feeds on. As you will know from the Fact Sheet, the only hydroid we know Pteraeolidia feeds on is the solitary tubularian hydroid Ralpharia. However since Ralpharia doesn't have zooxanthellae its been a mystery as to where the aeolid gets its zooxanthellae from. Pteraeolidia also seems to have at least two 'forms' this very elongate form with compact ceratal groups and a shorter form with much longer cerata. So any new information on its biology is very welcome.

This hydroid certainly looks like a species of Solanderia but as far as I know Solanderia does not have symbiotic zooxanthellae in its tissues. Mind you, the very pale colour of the Pteraeolidia suggests it may be lacking zooxanthellae as well. You have added another piece to the puzzle - I can't say it has solved anything but I hope it reignites some enthusiasm for us all to try and find more about its biology.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2006 (Dec 5). Comment on New feeding record for Pteraeolidia ianthina by Bruce Wilkie. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/18844

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