Spotted Seahare

Overview

The Spotted Seahare (Aplysia punctata) is a large, shell-less marine gastropod often found in shallow coastal waters and rock pools. It is easily recognized by its pair of prominent, ear-like sensory tentacles on its head, which give the animal its common name.

Distribution & habitat

This species is widely distributed across the northeast Atlantic, ranging from Greenland and Norway down to the Mediterranean Sea. It is typically found in benthic environments, particularly among seaweed, seagrass beds, and rocky areas where it can graze on algae.

Appearance

While slug-like in appearance, this mollusk possesses a thin, transparent, and vestigial internal shell concealed by its mantle. Its body color is highly variable, ranging from olive-green and brown to reddish or purplish-black, often featuring white blotches and dark spots. The body is long and narrow, with large, wing-like flaps called parapodia that join high on the back.

Biology & behavior

When threatened, the Spotted Seahare can release both purple and white defensive secretions. It is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, meaning each individual functions as both male and female, though they do not self-fertilize. Mating often involves chains of multiple individuals, and they typically have a lifespan of about one year.

Feeding

This species is an herbivore that feeds on various types of algae. Its body coloration is often influenced by the specific type of seaweed it consumes, with individuals appearing greener when feeding on green algae and redder when feeding on red algae.