Which slug is used for medical research?

September 17, 2002
From: John H. Garrett III

Hello, could you tell me which slug feeds on Red Algae and is being used for medical research.
Thank you,
John Garrett

john7770@aol.com

Garrett, J.H., 2002 (Sep 17) Which slug is used for medical research?. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/7959

Dear John,
I suspect the slug you are thinking of is the Aplysia californica. It is bred in captivity for use in studies on how brains work. Like all Sea Hares it feeds on a variety of red, brown and green algae, but in captivity is fed on one of its favourites, the red alga, Gracilaria. Have a look at other messages on this page to find out more about this animal and the research that is being done with it
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (Sep 17). Comment on Which slug is used for medical research? by John H. Garrett III. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/7959

Factsheet

Aplysia californica

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