Armina californica and the sea pansy Renilla

March 17, 2010
From: Kevin Lee


Hi Doc,

After seeing Jan Kocian's great photos of Armina & sea pens [see message #23276], and reading recent related communiques, I wanted to offer these images of Armina californica feeding on sea pansies (Renilla koellikeri), taken in La Jolla Shores, California. I have observed Armina feeding, both day and night, on this sea pansy, which dwells on/in the sandy bottom. I believe this specifically addresses your question posed in Mike Neubig's message #16674.

Locality: La Jolla Shores, 35-80 feet, California, Eastern Pacific, 16 December 2007, Sandy bottom. Length: approx. 1 inch. Photographer: Kevin Lee.

Cheers,

Kevin

diverkevin@gmail.com

Kevin Lee, 2010 (Mar 17) Armina californica and the sea pansy Renilla. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/23358

Dear Kevin,

Thanks for these photos. It has been a great week for arminid biology. I remember many years ago being fascinated by Hans Bertsch's report of Renilla 'flashing' when attacked by Armina. It must be an amazing sight.

  • Bertsch, H (1968) Effect of feeding by Armina californica on the bioluminescence of Renilla koellikeri. The Veliger, 10(4): 440-441.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2010 (Mar 17). Comment on Armina californica and the sea pansy Renilla by Kevin Lee. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/23358

Factsheet

Armina californica

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