Changing feeding habits and ontogenetic dimorphism in juveniles and adults Aplysia punctata (Cuvier, 1803) (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Heterobranchia) in the Mediterranean Sea

 
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2022 (EL)

Changing feeding habits and ontogenetic dimorphism in juveniles and adults Aplysia punctata (Cuvier, 1803) (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Heterobranchia) in the Mediterranean Sea (EN)

VALDÉS, ÁNGEL
CÓRDOBA GONZÁLEZ, DARIO
BALLESTEROS, MANUEL
ENGUIDANOS, ALBA

Specimens of Aplysia punctata inhabiting the Catalonian coast (NE Spain, Western Mediterranean Sea) display two different color patterns, which have been thought to represent two distinct species. However, molecular analyses conducted by other authors and confirmed herein show that there are no genetic differences between individuals of the two color morphs. At the same time, these color morphs display distinct life history traits, including different size, mating behavior, and egg mass and larvae coloration. In this paper, it is hypothesized that distinct diets are responsible of these differences. The results of this study confirm that small red specimens of A. punctata feed on red algae and primarily Sphaerococcus coronopifolius and Plocamium cartilagineum; pigments from these algae give small specimens of A. punctata a very similar morphological appearance to adults of the Aplysia parvula species complex. In contrast, adult specimens of A. punctata feed preferentially on green algae of the species Ulva lactuca. This change in feeding behavior is probably related to defensive strategies involving camouflage. In addition, the egg masses take on a pink to reddish color that is retained in the larval stage of A. punctata juveniles. (EN)

info:eu-repo/semantics/article
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Aplysia punctat (EN)
dimorphism (EN)
coloration (EN)
dietary preference (EN)
Catalonian coast (EN)


Mediterranean Marine Science

Αγγλική γλώσσα

2022-10-11


Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (EN)

1791-6763
1108-393X
Mediterranean Marine Science; Τόμ. 23 Αρ. 4 (2022): VOL 23, No 4 (2022); 827-849 (EL)
Mediterranean Marine Science; Vol. 23 No. 4 (2022): VOL 23, No 4 (2022); 827-849 (EN)

Copyright (c) 2022 Mediterranean Marine Science (EN)



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