Depilatory Seahare

Overview

The Depilatory Seahare (Aplysia depilans) is a large, soft-bodied marine gastropod often found in shallow coastal waters. It is easily recognized by its slug-like appearance and prominent sensory tentacles that resemble rabbit ears, which give the "seahare" group its common name.

Appearance

This species is one of the largest sea slugs, typically reaching lengths of 15–30 cm. Its body is thick, soft, and variable in color, ranging from dark brown and reddish-brown to yellow, gray, or greenish, often patterned with lighter blotches or marbling. It possesses a small, thin, and poorly calcified internal shell. A key identifying feature is its large, wing-like parapodia, which are fused at the rear of the animal.

Distribution & habitat

Aplysia depilans is primarily found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the southern coast of England down to Senegal and the Gulf of Guinea. It inhabits shallow infralittoral zones, typically from the surface to 20 meters deep, where it frequents rocky, sandy, or muddy bottoms covered in algae.

Biology & behavior

These mollusks are herbivorous, feeding mainly on various algae such as Ulva (sea lettuce). They are equipped with a metapodial suction cup on the underside of their foot, allowing them to anchor firmly to the substrate. When threatened, they can release a purple ink to distract potential predators. Unlike some other sea hares, they generally do not swim, though some Mediterranean specimens have been observed doing so.