The feeding behavior of Spurilla sp. (Mollusca: Opisthobranchia) with a description of the kleptocnidae sequestered from its sea anemone prey

GARESE AGUSTÍN; GARCÍA-MATUCHESKI STELLA; MUNIAN CLAUDIA; ACUÑA FABIÁN H.

ZOOLOGICAL STUDIES

ACAD SINICA INST ZOOLOGY

Año: 2012 vol. 51 p. 905 - 912

1021-5506

Cnidocysts are sequestered from cnidarian prey by aeolid nudibranchs and stored in the tips of their appendages (cerata). The kleptocnidae of 11 specimens of Spurilla sp. were described in detail. The type and relative abundance of prey cnidocysts in nudibranch cerata were highly variable, suggesting exclusive anemone consumption. Spirocysts and several types of microbasic p-mastigophores, microbasic b-mastigophores and basitrichs were found in external and internal tissues of sea anemone prey. This is the first report of predation of aeolid Spurilla sp. on sea anemones Antholoba achates, Metridium senile lobatum and Parabunodactis imperfecta from the rocky intertidal from Patagonia (Chubut Province, Argentina) and on Anthothoe chilensis and Tricnidactis errans from Mar del Plata (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina). Photographs and digital videos of aeolidacean feeding behaviour were recorded in situ and in aquaria. The purpose of this study is to provide valuable information on the diet of Spurilla sp. from Argentina using field observations and kleptocnidae descriptions.