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Egg Masses in Strange Places
by Cory Pittman
| Usually, opisthobranchs
lay eggs on or near their food. They are seldom laid on other
living animals. However, occasionally egg masses are deposited in
"strange" places. The following photo shows an egg mass (about 30 mm in diameter) laid on living coral (Porites evermanni). It was found at a depth of less than 1 m (3 ft) at Hekili Point, Maui on Nov. 9, 2007. From the size and form of the mass, it was probably laid by a dorid (or Plakobranchus ocellatus?).  The next two photos show what appears to be an aeolid egg mass (perhaps laid by a Favorinus) deposited on the dorsal fin of a leaf scorpionfish, Taenianotus triacanthus. If it was laid by a Favorinus, it would normally have been deposited on or near the opisthobranch egg masses that members of that genus eat. Other aeolids that lay similar egg masses are hydroid feeders. It was found at Black Rock, Maui on April 18, 2009.   |
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