An electrophysiological search for pheromones of Aplysia californica

Abstract

Afferent activity of the rhinophore nerve in Aplysia californica was recorded using the sucrose gap technique. Spikes were counted during perfusion of the rhinophore with plain seawater, and during perfusion with seawater that had bathed specimens of either Aplysia californica, Aplysia vaccaria, or Pleurobranchaea californica. Each of the experimental perfusions evoked an approximately equal increase in activity. The results fail to support the hypothesis, derived from earlier electrophysiological experiments, that aggregations of Aplysia in the field are determined by species-specific chemical cues.