Defensive behavior and toxicity of ascoglossan opisthobranch Mourgona germaineae marcus

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The ascoglossan (= sacoglossan) opisthobranch Mourgona germaineae Marcus secretes a viscid mucus and autotomizes cerata when mechanically disturbed. Other small invertebrates, i.e., sea anemones, amphipods, and other ascoglossans, will die when placed with these autotomized cerata or in the water in which they have been autotomized. The toxin is methanol-soluble and water-soluble and thus is probably a small molecule. Simultaneous TLC of chloroform and methanol-water extracts of M. germaineae and of its food alga, Cymopolia barbata indicates that the toxin is most likely of dietary origin.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology
Volume10
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)475-486
Number of pages12
ISSN0098-0331
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 1984

    Research areas

  • Ascoglossa, chemical defense, Cymopolia barbata, diet-derived toxin, Mourgona germaineae, toxicity

ID: 346072035