Phyllidia varicosa mating

March 24, 2003
From: Mary Jane Adams

Hi Bill,
Of all the hundreds of Phyllidia varicosa I have seen around the world, this is the first time I have seen them mating and I have yet to see any laying eggs. Since these slugs are so common and widespread, it seems like I should be seeing reproductive activity more often. Do you have any ideas about this? Does anyone have a picture of P. varicosa laying eggs? I shot this picture at 16 meters at Three
Islets, Andaman Sea, Myanmar, Feb. 14, 2003.

Best regards,
Mary Jane Adams

divepng@yahoo.com

Adams, M.J., 2003 (Mar 24) Phyllidia varicosa mating. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/9399

Congratulations Mary Jane,
Photos and observations of any phyllidid mating or egg-laying, are indeed very rare. We have photos on the Forum of Phyllidiella pustulosa mating and laying eggs, and a tantalising photo of Phyllidia babai and P. ocellata mating together. Other photos would be very welcome.

I have no idea why so few mating observations have been made despite their relative abundance. We tend to think that most nudibranchs mate whenever they meet because they are relatively rare, or hide a lot, and so it is worth taking advantage of every meeting. Perhaps the converse is true as well. When you are relatively common and so are likely to come in contact with potential mating partners regularly, perhaps there is no great advantage in mating at every meeting?
Cheers,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2003 (Mar 24). Comment on Phyllidia varicosa mating by Mary Jane Adams. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/9399

Factsheet

Phyllidia varicosa

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