Nudibranch odors

December 10, 2009
From: Rick Harbo

A sign at a local aquarium stated that the nudibranch Melibe leonina smells like a watermelon.

Do nudibranchs have distinctive odors, like sea stars, that can be used as identifying features?

Rick Harbo
Nanaimo, B.C. Canada


rharbo@shaw.ca

Harbo, R., 2009 (Dec 10) Nudibranch odors. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/22940

Dear Rick,

A few nudibranchs seem to have distinctive odors, but it's not a widespread feature. In most cases I suspect it is the result of secretions produced from breakdown products from their food. For example many species of Phyllidia produce a distinctive acrid, distasteful milky secretion when disturbed, which will kill fish and invertebrates in aquaria.

Sandra Millen [message #3195] mentions that Melibe leonina has a 'sweet fruity aroma' and the dorid Peltodoris nobilis a 'citrus fruit aroma', and Dave Behrens [message #16667] mentions Melibe and Acanthodoris lutea but I can't think of many others. Perhaps others will be able to add to the list.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2009 (Dec 10). Comment on Nudibranch odors by Rick Harbo. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/22940

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