Mutant Chromodoris hintuanensis?

July 19, 2007
From: Carlos R. Munda

I have heard that some nudibranchs develop a third feeler during mating season. Is this true? If not, what could be the explanation for this mutation in Chromodoris hintuanensis?

Locality: Mainit Bubbles Beach, 10 meters, Philippines, Pacific Ocean, June 30, 2007, Sandy beach. Length: 1 inch (approximately). Photographer: Carlos R. Munda, Jr..

Carlos R. Munda, Jr.

c_munda@yahoo.com

Munda, C., 2007 (Jul 19) Mutant Chromodoris hintuanensis?. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/20212

Dear Carlos,

I have never heard of this and I am sure if it were true we would have many more photos of nudibranchs with third rhinophores. I suspect this is just a developmental 'mistake'. The process of an egg developing into an almost identical match to it parents is amazing, but there are often small errors in the process. An extra rhinophore like this probably doesn't interfere with a normal life so even though it looks strange to us I guess it doesn't really matter to the animal. This type of error may be a mistake in the genetic makeup of the animal but is more likely to be a local error occurring during the growth of the embryo. It is unlikely that this animal would give rise to a family of offspring with 3 rhinophores. Have a look at the abnormalities page for more anomalies.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2007 (Jul 19). Comment on Mutant Chromodoris hintuanensis? by Carlos R. Munda. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/20212

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