Pleurobranchus testudinarius from Turkey

June 14, 2002
From: Baki Yokes

Dear Bill,
Here are some photos of Pleurobrancus testudinarius. One of the specimens we have encountered had been severely injured. It seems that there is something which likes the mantle of this slug. As it is seen in the photo, the edge of the mantle have been bitten. Do you have any suggestion about identity of the suspect, or do you have any idea about other possible causes?

Photos: Baki Yokes
Place: Antalya, Turkey
Dive site: Uc Adalar
Date: May 2002
Depth: 13m
Size: specimens 20cm, egg ribbon 15cm

Best wishes
Baki

bakiyokes@turk.net

Yokes, B., 2002 (Jun 14) Pleurobranchus testudinarius from Turkey. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/7200

Thanks Baki,
We know too little about what eats opisthobranchs. Thankfully, some information is beginning to accumulate on the Predation Records page, but it is very slow. Like many opisthobranchs pleurobranchs have distasteful acid glands which no doubt are aimed at deterring predators but clearly some animals prefer a challenge. I wouldn't know if there are turtles in the Mediterranean. I certainly know of turtles having a meal of large Pleurobranchus forskalii in east Africa, but I wouldn't know if that is a relevant observation for Turkey.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (Jun 14). Comment on Pleurobranchus testudinarius from Turkey by Baki Yokes. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/7200

Factsheet

Pleurobranchus testudinarius

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