The occurrence of modified tentacles (i.e. thread-like tentacles) in the Mediterranean octocorals Paramuricea clavata and Corallium rubrum is reported. Colonies of four species of Mediterranean gorgonians were maintained in aquarium conditions for more than 5 months. The development of thread-like tentacles has been observed only in two of the four species. The presence of modified tentacles in other cnidarians has been usually associated with defensive/aggressive behavior. Our observations showed that thread-like tentacles in P. clavata and C. rubrum can also be used for feeding.
The alien nudibranch Polycera hedgpethi Er. Marcus, 1964, has been found in the Gulf of Cádiz (El Portil, Huelva). The present record in the Gulf of Cadiz could be considered an opportunity to connect the isolated Eastern Atlantic records for this species with those from the Mediterranean, even taking into consideration the possible unreported presence of this species along the North African Mediterranean coast. The collected specimens exhibited reproductive behaviour, suggesting the possibility of future additional records for this locality.
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