Slugs with geometric patterns

[calypsonick]

On today's dive this slug cruised over to another and in a matter of seconds they "hugged", rolled into a ball and then took off in opposite directions (second photo). There was a third, much smaller slug hanging out not moving a few inches away. Any ideas on what they are ? I can't find them in my field guides.

Location: North Coast, East Timor
Depth: ~5m
Habitat: Sandy

 

[Bowmouth]

They look like lyretail slugs which are often encountered on shallow sandy bottoms. Don't know the species name though; have not seen this color pattern before. The "hugging" you witnessed may have been both slugs mating with one-another. Immediately after mating they will go their own way and lay eggs.

 

[Mr.X]

Don't know what they are but they are cute little guys! Nice pics. X

 

[Charlie99]

If you don't get an answer here, try http://www.seaslugforum.net/

There are lots and lots of of nudibrach species. Good luck

 

[justleesa]

very cool looking! keep us updated if you find anything out!

 

[LeslieH]

I'm not sure they're branchs at all. There's no sign of the lateral flaps or divisions normal aglajids have, just the smooth body. I suspect acoel flatworms. By the way, I'm glad to see you're blog posting again!

 

[calypsonick]

Leslie, thanks for the information. Do some flatworms have the "tails" in back like these do ?

Here is a neat looking worm from last night's dive:

 

[justleesa]

hmm...I'm no expert...but it looks too dimesional to be a flat worm....or is it my crappy eyes?

 

[LeslieH]

Yes, the acoels have tails. Do a search on acoel or amphiscolops to see a few.

That one really caught my eye when I checked out your website. I think it's the lovechild of a nemertean and a flatworm I can send it round to a couple of friends/ invert experts and see what they say.

 

[adshepard]

There are just so many of them. I suggest you post it to the Sea Slug Forum.

I'll look around to see if I can ID it.

DSDO

Alan