Melibe megaceras - anatomical details

April 17, 2003
From: Bill Rudman


Here are some more close-ups from Harry Erhrdt's photos of Melibe megaceras from Malaysia.

Mantanani Is, near Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. In 24m depth [19-24 March, 2003] Photos: Harry Erhardt

The upper photo shows the papillae on the back. It seems the larger of them, like the flagellum on the rhinophore sheath, has scattered raised points. The lower photo shows an animal crawling on the sand with it erata flattened out. On the right side of the animal some of the cerata are missing. This is quite a common occurrence in Melibe, and often half-grown replacement cerata are present. Species of Melibe, like many other nudibranchs, are able to break off cerata, or other parts of their body, when they are 'stressed'. This phenomenon is called autotomy, and is considered a defensive strategy.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2003 (Apr 17) Melibe megaceras - anatomical details. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/9679

Factsheet

Melibe megaceras

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