Polycera tricolor with amphipod from British Columbia

November 24, 2008
From: Marli Wakeing

Hi Bill,

This Polycera tricolor has a striking looking amphipod on its back. The colouration can't be a coincidence, it is so well matched. Is this association known? If so, what is the amphipod, and is it a parasite, or simply hitchhiking?

Locality: Barkley Sound, 9 feet, British Columbia, Canada, 18 May 2008, Rock reef. Length: 20 mm. Photographer: Marli Wakeling.

Cheers,
Marli

scubamarli@gmail.com

Wakeling, M., 2008 (Nov 24) Polycera tricolor with amphipod from British Columbia. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/21972

Hi Marli,

According to Lamb and Hanby, the amphipod is Chromopleustes oculatus. There is likely no association here as this pretty species of amphipod has its own chemical defence to repel predators. It was just likely taking a stroll in the park.

Thanks for sharing this,
Dave Behrens

Behrens, D.W., 2008 (Nov 24). Comment on Polycera tricolor with amphipod from British Columbia by Marli Wakeing. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/21972

Factsheet

Polycera tricolor

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