Poecilogony or Cryptic Species? two Geographically Different Development Patterns Observed in 'Cuthona Pupillae (Baba, 1961)' (Nudibranchia: Aeolidoidea)

• DOI: 10.1093/mollus/57.supplement_part_4.133
• Publication Date: 2012-11-20T07:09:41Z
• Authors: Y. J. Hirano; Y. M. Hirano
• Keywords: Nudibranch; Veliger; Opisthobranchia

Two different embryonic/larval development patterns were observed in an aeolid nudibranch species identified from external morphology as Cuthona pupillae (Baba, 1961). Specimens northern Japan (Oshoro Bay, Hokkaido) laid 150 µm diameter eggs that completed capsular 10 days (15°C) and hatched benthic juveniles. southern (Hojo, the Seto Inland Sea of Japan) spawned 90 typical planktotrophic veligers 3 (18°C) These larvae unusual amongst possessing eyes at hatching: this is not, however, Cuthona, least seven others having been recorded hatching with eyed veliger larvae. Some differences internal found for specimens two localities. It appears may not be attributable to true poecilogony, but perhaps these being cryptic species. Further observations on taxonomy reproduction are necessary evaluate this.