Toxin Secretion and Tail Autotomy by Irritated Oxynoe panamensis (Opisthobranchiata; Sacoglossa)

Abstract

The green sacoglossan gastropod Oxynoe panamensis occurs in mangrove swamps on the coasts of Baja Californi a, Mexico, apparently feeding exclusively on the green siphonaceous alga Caulerpa sertularioides . When irritated, it secretes an astringent, milky mucus, which contains a toxin lethal to fish. Continued molestation may induce autotomy of the tail.