Defensive behavior and toxicity of ascoglossan opisthobranch Mourgona germaineae marcus
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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 language | English |
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Journal | Journal of Chemical Ecology |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 3 |
Pages (from-to) | 475-486 |
Number of pages | 12 |
ISSN | 0098-0331 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 1984 |
- Ascoglossa, chemical defense, Cymopolia barbata, diet-derived toxin, Mourgona germaineae, toxicity
Research areas
ID: 346072035