PREDATION


Navanax inermis feeding on Aplysia californica (gracilaria fed) .MOV file

In conjunction with our research goals, we are attempting to gather more information on learning through predator/prey interactions.  The predatory opisthobranch Navanax inermis is a common resident of both the low intertidal and sandy bottom areas of Southern California.  Here is footage of a Navanax consuming a gracilaria-fed Aplysia californica.  The Navanax does indeed consume the entire slug, but due to time and memory constraints, only the initial strike and ingestion are shown.  The movie is approximately 15 seconds long and requires software that can support a .mov file.

Navanax inermis