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Blue Dragon nudibranch laying eggs

Pteraeolidia ianthina

Description:

This Pteraeolidia ianthina was spotted laying an egg ribbon on the operculum of another gastropod, which appeared to still be alive. Perhaps not the best location choice! Pteraeolidia has evolved a method of capturing and farming microscopic plants (zooxanthellae) in its own body. The plants flourish in this protected environment and as they convert the sun's energy into sugars, they pass a significant proportion on to the nudibranch for its own use.



No species ID suggestions

2 Comments

SamanthaCraven
SamanthaCraven a year ago

Thanks Blogie! Probably not the smartest place to lay one's eggs though!

Blogie
Blogie a year ago

Astounding capture, Sam!

Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

Lat: 13.50, Long: 120.95

Spotted on Mar 15, 2012
Submitted on Mar 20, 2012

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