Spiny mystery from Ireland

December 23, 2002
From: Cian Murphy

To whom it may concern,
I am an extreme amateur at the art of identification and marine biology in general, however I am very interested in species I come across on shores and rock pools all over Ireland. Recently whilst walking on Bull Island Strand, Dublin at low tide (sandy beach) I came across what upon further research appears to have been an Aeolidia papillosa. The specimen was around 4/5 inches long with a flat smooth back and a dense almost 'dog like' covering of hair on its sides. What threw me off a positive ID were the apparent bristles/spines that were present in clusters along both sides of the animal. The spines (which felt like hard bristles on a brush) seemed to emerge from nodules right the way along each side of the animal. I have been reliable informed that sea-slugs don't have spines so hence my confusion. The animal was alive and spurted a brownish liquid at me when I pick it up. Could it be that the animal was sick and its feelers (to put it in a extremely non-scientific way) were decomposing? Any comments would be greatfully appreciated.
Thanks
Cian Murphy

cian.murphy@kpmg.ie

Dear Sian,
It is difficult without an illustration to be sure, but an animal with the look of Aeolidia papillosa, but 'bristles/spines' in clusters, suggests to me you may have a sea mouse, which is a specialised kind of polychaete worm. Have a look at Clinton Bauder's message which has a couple of photos of a Californian species of sa mouse. One common genus is Aphrodite, so you could check on the web, or in books, for further illustrations.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (Dec 23). Comment on Spiny mystery from Ireland by Cian Murphy. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/8717

Factsheet

Polychaete Worms (Bristle worms)

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